Alonso maps out Chelsea centre-back clearout after Lacroix arrival

Chelsea are set for a defensive reshuffle before the summer window closes, with Xabi Alonso making it clear he wants a much leaner group of centre-backs. Speaking in Sydney ahead of Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur, Alonso was asked how many senior central defenders he wants in his squad next season. His answer was blunt: "Four or five. Is that accurate enough?" Chelsea currently have 10 senior centre-backs on their books: Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino and new signing Maxence Lacroix. The Blues officially announced Lacroix's arrival from Crystal Palace on Thursday, with the Frenchman costing €60.7 million. The 26-year-old becomes Alonso's third signing at Stamford Bridge, and the Chelsea boss expects the squad to look very different at the back by the time the transfer deadline passes on 1 September. Chalobah, Disasi and Badiashile are expected to leave on permanent deals, with Chalobah in advanced talks with Serie A side Como. Chelsea are also trying to arrange loan moves for Sarr and Anselmino. Acheampong and Fofana have been linked with exits but could stay as depth alongside Tosin. Jorrel Hato can also play at centre-back, but he is expected to be used as Chelsea's new left-back this season after Marc Cucurella was sold to Real Madrid. Alonso had strong words for Lacroix after the move was completed. "I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga, but I think that his progression and his adaptation in the Premier League has been fantastic," he said. "Not just on the pitch as well, in terms of personality, leadership, he has these attributes. A very reliable player that will give us power in the defensive line." Lacroix made 98 appearances during a two-year spell at Crystal Palace, helping the Eagles win the UEFA Conference League, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.