Chelsea submit £55m bid for Maxence Lacroix but Crystal Palace holding out for £60m | OneFootball

Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, although both clubs are still some way apart in their valuations.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have submitted an official proposal worth around £55 million, but Palace are holding out for a fee closer to £60m.

The Blues are looking to strengthen their options in defence, and Lacroix has become a top target after an impressive campaign in the Premier League.

The two clubs are now working to bridge the gap, with performance-related bonuses expected to play an important part in the final agreement.

Discussions between the clubs have continued at senior level.

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish were both in New York for the FIFA World Cup final and reportedly met to continue negotiations.

Their meeting is seen as another positive step towards completing the deal, while Palace have already started exploring potential replacements for the Frenchman.

Lacroix joined Palace from German club Wolfsburg for around £18m and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable defenders.

He has attracted interest from several clubs, but Chelsea are leading the race to sign him. Chelsea’s move for the French international could also lead to changes in their current defensive options.

Centre-back Trevoh Chalobah is a target for Italian duo Inter Milan and Como. Chelsea have already turned down a bid from Como, so it remains to be seen if they’ll return with a higher offer.

Inter are also monitoring Chalobah’s situation but are focusing on other targets at the moment. His exit would create space in Chelsea’s squad and help clear the way for Lacroix’s arrival.

Chelsea’s busy summer is not limited to defensive reinforcements. They have signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and are working on other potential departures.

Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Liam Delap, and Nicolas Jackson are among those who could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.