Crystal Palace value Maxence Lacroix at £55m as Chelsea make contact over deal | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have set an asking price of £55m for Maxence Lacroix, amid interest from Chelsea.

Chelsea have made contact with Crystal Palace to discuss a deal for Lacroix, as Xabi Alonso looks to overhaul his centre-back options at Stamford Bridge.

Lacroix is seen as a readymade option to improve Chelsea, having impressed in thePremier League across his two seasons at Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old has been a key part of Palace's recent success, lifting the first trophies in the club's history with FA Cup, Community Shield, and Europa Conference League success.

He has broken into the France squad as a result and has earned seven caps since his debut earlier this year.

Developments on a potential transfer are expected to accelerate, following France's exit at the 2026 World Cup.

According toBen Jacobs, Palace want a fee of at least £55m. The Eagles are using Jan Paul van Hecke's transfer from Brighton to Tottenham Hotspur as a yardstick for their valuation.

Lacroix ranked in the top 10 centre-backs in thePremier League last season for aerial duels won, possession won, and defensive duels won.

Chelsea are keen to sign at least one new defender to complement Alonso's preferred three centre-back system. The West Londoners are also in talks over the sale of Trevoh Chalobah, who has interest from Como and Inter Milan.