Crystal Palace want Brest’s Raphael Le Guen to replace Chelsea-bound Maxence Lacroix | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for highly-rated Brest defender Raphael Le Guen, according to the BBC.

The Eagles are preparing for the expected departure of Maxence Lacroix, who is closing in on a switch to Chelsea.

Palace are keen to strengthen their defensive options before the summer window closes.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets following an impressive breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1.

Le Guen only made his senior debut for Brest during the 2025/26 season but quickly caught the attention of scouts with a series of composed displays.

The teenage centre-back featured six times in France’s top flight, winning an impressive 80 percent of his aerial duels while also recording a respectable 54% success rate in ground challenges.

Brest handed him starts in each of their final four league matches, including demanding fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg.

Palace have developed a reputation for identifying and nurturing promising young defenders from France.

Last summer’s arrival of Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse has already proved a resounding success.

The 19-year-old established himself as a regular following Marc Guehi’s departure in January. Palace are now looking to repeat the trick with the signing of Le Guen.

Interestingly, Le Guen is not the only defender under consideration.

Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima also remains on Palace’s shortlist as the club assesses its options ahead of Lacroix’s anticipated exit.

The 24-year-old former France youth international is understood to be open to a move to Selhurst Park, where he would reunite with compatriot Pierre Sage.

Palace need to move swiftly this summer to bolster the squad for Sage after frustrating former boss Oliver Glasner with their sluggishness.

The Eagles could use reinforcement from back to front as they prepare to compete in the Europa League following their Conference League win.