All the key details of Maxence Lacroix's summer transfer to Chelsea have been revealed. | OneFootball

Tactics, incomings, outgoings: What Chelsea can expect this summer. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea have bolstered their defence with the summer arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

After weeks of negotiations between the Chelsea and Crystal Palace hierarchies, which saw co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Steve Parish meet in a New York hotel to continue talks, Lacroix's move to Stamford Bridge has been finalised ahead of the new season.

He becomes the latest summer signing, the second in defence following Marco Palestra's acquisition from Atalanta earlier this month. Morgan Rogers, Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha have all joined in attack.

Lacroix adds to Xabi Alonso's defence for 2026/27, offering the Spaniard the flexibility of a back three or back four system. Given his price tag and signing under Alonso, he is certain to be a starter for the Blues.

The Frenchman's height offers Chelsea an aerial presence, particularly in set-pieces, an area they have looked to strengthen this summer - both on and off the field.

After 98 appearances for Crystal Palace, at the age of 26, Lacroix enters his prime years, a chance for Chelsea to add experience to a youthful but talented side.

It's the first time since 2022 that Chelsea have paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 26. A proven sign that the club have delivered on bringing experience, and at Premier League level, as they promised.

After competing at the 2026 World Cup with France, who suffered defeat to England in the bronze medal match, Lacroix will report for Chelsea duty in a few weeks after his mandatory three-week break following the conclusion of the tournament.

This could see the centre-back feature for the first time in the final pre-season friendly on August 15 against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge. He will hope to make his official debut against Fulham in the Premier League opener on August 24.

Now that the signing has been confirmed, here are all of the details of Lacroix's transfer to Chelsea.

Maxence Lacroix’s Chelsea transfer fee from Crystal Palace

Chelsea are understood to have paid a fee in the region of £52 million to secure Lacroix's services.

Maxence Lacroix’s Chelsea contract length

In line with the rest of the squad, Lacroix has penned a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge, signing a six-year deal until June 2032.

Maxence Lacroix’s Chelsea shirt number

Chelsea are yet to confirm Lacroix's shirt number. He wore number five for Palace, however, that is currently occupied by Benoit Badiashile.