Chrislain Matsima: Crystal Palace handed transfer blow as talks for key target break down | OneFootball

Eagles now looking at new centre-back targets as Maxence Lacroix nears exit

Standard Sport understands that discussions could yet resume, but for now Palace are looking at other targets as they identify a replacement for Chelsea-bound Maxence Lacroix.

Lacroix is expected to formally complete a £52million move to Chelsea in the coming days, and Matsima is one of a number of potential targets to replace the French international.

That list also includes 21-year-old centre-back Nathan Zeze, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Neom SC.

Crystal Palace may still reopen talks for Chrislain Matsima

AFP/Getty

Standard Sport understands that Zeze is a longstanding target for Palace, having first come to the attention of the club’s former sporting director Dougie Freedman in 2024 while playing at Ligue 1 side Nantes.

Despite interest from Palace, Bournemouth and Liverpool, Zeze decided to move to Neom last summer in a deal worth around £17m.

He is already said to be keen on a return to Europe, though. Palace have held talks with his representatives in the last couple of weeks to discuss a potential move.

New target: Nathan Zeze

AFP/Getty

Palace are looking to make more than one defensive addition this summer and are weighing up a move for former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Japan international is a free agent after leaving Ajax and was named on the bench as a trialist for Palace’s Como Cup defeat to Lens on Tuesday evening.

Any deal for Tomiyasu is expected to be separate to negotiations for Matsima and Zeze, who are viewed as direct replacements for Lacroix.

The same applies to Palace’s reported interest in Raphael Le Guen, with the Eagles said to have agreed personal terms for the 19-year-old defender.