Chelsea set to pay £55 million for defender Maxence Lacroix

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has identified Crystal Palace centre‑back Maxence Lacroix as a primary target for the summer transfer window. Reports indicate that Palace are demanding a fee of around £55 million – with some sources citing a range up to £70 million – to release the 26‑year‑old French international, who is under contract until 2029. Lacroix, who made 98 appearances for Palace and helped them win the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League, has expressed a desire to join Chelsea after the 2026 World Cup. Negotiations are reportedly close, with one account stating Chelsea need to increase its offer by roughly £3 million to meet Palace’s valuation. The club is also preparing to fund the transfer by selling several players to raise roughly £136 million (about £3.3 trillion Rupiah).