Chelsea Close to €70m Deal for Maxence Lacroix After New York Summit

Chelsea are pushing hard to finalise a summer move for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, with the France international valued at €70 million (£60m) by the south London club. The 26-year-old has been identified as Chelsea’s priority defensive target ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge, and the Blues are determined to bring him to Stamford Bridge. Lacroix, who made three appearances at the World Cup, is open to leaving Selhurst Park following the departure of Oliver Glasner, and Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners despite reported interest from Arsenal. A formal meeting between Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish took place at a New York hotel after the World Cup final on Sunday. According to reports, Chelsea offered around €65m during that discussion, but Palace are holding out for the full €70m. Early signs suggest an agreement is likely before the 2026-27 campaign kicks off. The Blues are expected to sanction permanent sales of Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and potentially Wesley Fofana this summer, making Lacroix their preferred replacement ahead of other targets Jacobo Ramon and John Stones. Beyond Lacroix, Chelsea are in advanced talks for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, though the deal is at risk due to a €50m release clause – Rayo are refusing to accept anything less, while Chelsea are unwilling to match that figure. If Chavarria falls through, a move to bring Lewis Hall back to the club is a possibility. Meanwhile, the Blues have already finalised a deal with Aston Villa for Morgan Rogers, with the England attacker set to be unveiled as the club’s most expensive signing in history.