Chelsea eyeing move for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix this summer | OneFootball

Chelsea are considering a move for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix as the Blues look to bring in defensive reinforcement this summer, per the Daily Mail.

Chelsea desperately need a physical, aggressive, and dominant presence at centre-half. They are missing a leader who can organise the backline.

In the absence of Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Mamadou Sarr have not lived up to expectations.

The Blues need a defensive makeover, and one of the names on their shortlist is Lacroix, who has been turning heads since arriving in the league at the beginning of last season.

Lacroix has won 61 percent of his aerial and 61% of his ground duels in 29 league appearances this term. He has also helped his side keep 10 clean sheets.

While Lacroix, who has been lauded as a ‘leader‘, is not the cleanest progressive passer or carrier, he is more than decent on the ball.

However, after losing Marc Guehi in January, the Eagles might be reluctant to let the Frenchman head over to Stamford Bridge. They will put up a fight.

Signed for just £18 million in what looks like a brilliant deal, his club will try to make Chelsea pay through their nose.

According to the report, he is not the only name on Chelsea’s shortlist, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul Van Hecke also on their radar.

The Dutchman is another Premier League-proven defender that can help shore up Chelsea’s leaky rearguard.

Van Hecke has also impressed in the English top flight, winning 56 percent of his aerial and 66% of his ground duels this term, and helping to keep seven clean sheets.

The Blues need two defenders this summer and will likely move on at least three permanently, while loans could be on the cards for Josh Acheampong and Sarr.