Chelsea receive major centre-back boost as €81m alternative drifts away

Chelsea receive huge centre-back boost as €81m alternative drifts away have received a boost in their quest to sign a new centre-back after learning is reluctant to sign a new contact at Crystal Palace, according to the Daily Mail. The Blues hierarchy are keen to back Xabi Alonso in the transfer market this summer, with The Athletic claiming the Spaniard wants to sign a new central defender and a versatile attacker. Chelsea had been strongly linked with a move for the €81million (£70m)-rated Jan Paul van Hecke, according to The Telegraph, but the Brighton and Hove Albion star is the subject of strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Athletic understands Van Hecke is keen to reunite with his former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi at Spurs, who have had by the Seagulls. Another man who has been linked with Chelsea is Lacroix, with French publication RMC Sport claiming the France international is thought to hold a valuation of at least €40m (£35m). And now according to the Mail, Chelsea have formally added Lacroix to their shortlist after discovering the 26-year-old is keen to explore his options following the 2026 World Cup. Lacroix joined Palace from German outfit Wolfsburg in 2024 and he has gone on to make 98 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and winning the 2025 FA Cup and the 2026 UEFA Conference League. His efforts for Palace led to him being included in France’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, with Didier Deschamps’ side set to open up their campaign with a mouth-watering clash against Senegal today. Van Hecke seeks 'clarity' over future amid Chelsea & Spurs interest Meanwhile Netherlands international Van Hecke started in his side’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Japan on Sunday, with Ronald Koeman’s men poised to face Sweden in their next Group F fixture in four days' time (Saturday, 20 June). Speaking ahead of the game against Japan, the 26-year-old - who has just 12 months left on his Brighton contract - admitted as soon as possible. In quotes carried by , Van Hecke said: “Of course, things are also happening and I know that myself too, but that’s not for now, that’s more after the World Cup. “I will then see where I play. I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. “And I have that too, but then for now, for myself, it’s just clear, I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible. That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it’s clear to everyone.”