Chelsea open talks to sign Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix | OneFootball

Chelsea have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are expected to strengthen at the heart of their defence this summer after an inconsistent campaign in which injuries and underwhelming performances exposed the rearguard.

Lacroix has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets following an impressive season in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s backline struggled whenever Levi Colwill was unavailable.

Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Mamadou Sarr all failed to establish themselves as dependable options over the course of the season.

That has prompted the club to prioritise signing a commanding central defender, and Lacroix appears to fit the profile.

The 26-year-old has been outstanding for Palace since arriving from Wolfsburg, helping them become one of England’s most organised defensive units.

Across 35 Premier League appearances, Lacroix has won almost two-thirds of his aerial and ground duels while contributing to 11 clean sheets.

He also earned widespread praise for his leadership qualities, playing a pivotal role in Palace’s remarkable FA Cup and Europa Conference League wins.

Even though he is not regarded as an elite progressive passer or ball carrier, Lacroix is comfortable enough in possession and has thrived in a back-three system.

That ability to play in a back three will appeal to Xabi Alonso, who has built much of his success around a three-man defence.

Chelsea’s interest in Lacroix does not necessarily signal the end of their pursuit of Como defender Jacobo Ramon, who remains on the club’s shortlist.

The Blues are also closing in on Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra after blowing Inter Milan out of the water to sign him.