Chelsea close in on Lacroix

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, with a £52m fee agreed and the France international understood to have completed his medical ahead of signing a contract until June 2032.

The centre-back has been a cornerstone of the Eagles' defence since arriving. Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in an £18m deal in 2024, making 98 Premier League appearances and picking up the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League - a haul that also earned him a place in France's World Cup 2026 squad.

The move hands Xabi Alonso a commanding, ball-playing defender as he reshapes his backline for the new campaign. Lacroix may not be the only defender to make the switch to Stamford Bridge from a London rival, with the Blues understood to be weighing further reinforcements.