Chelsea Make Maxence Lacroix A Priority Target For Xabi Alonso
The move signals Alonso wants a taller, more physical centre‑back to fit his preferred back‑three system.
Overview
- Multiple reports on Tuesday say Chelsea have internally shortlisted Crystal Palace centre‑back Maxence Lacroix as a summer priority for new coach Xabi Alonso.
- Lacroix’s stock has risen after a trophy‑filled run with Palace and a France call‑up including World Cup selection, which clubs and scouts say has increased his asking price.
- Crystal Palace hold Lacroix on a long contract to 2029 and are under no financial pressure to sell so they will demand a sizeable fee and want a signed replacement before allowing him to leave.
- Chelsea could offer cash plus a player; Trevoh Chalobah has been named in coverage as a potential makeweight while Chelsea assess a crowded centre‑back group they plan to trim.
- If talks progress the transfer would reshape both squads because Palace would need to recruit to protect defensive continuity and Alonso would gain a centre‑back tailored to his tactical plan.