Chelsea ready to spend £50 million on France defender Maxence Lacroix

Chelsea are preparing a £50 million offer for Crystal Palace centre‑back Maxence Lacroix, who is representing France at the FIFA World Cup. The club aims to rebuild its squad after a tenth‑place Premier League finish, targeting Lacroix as a Premier League‑proven defender with three years left on his contract.

Crystal Palace are open to selling the 26‑year‑old, though they will only accept a price they deem right. Chelsea also plan to sign Atalanta right‑back Marco Palestra for a reported £43 million, adding further depth to the side's defence.

Both moves are part of manager Xabi Alonso's strategy to reshape the Blues' back line ahead of the 2025‑26 season.