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Chelsea learn new price to sign France World Cup star Maxence Lacroix
Jul 17 2026 18:48 · By Callum McAvoy · 8 Reads
Maxence Lacroix reportedly wants to join Chelsea (Photo: Getty)
Chelsea
have learnt how much they will have to pay to sign
Crystal Palace
defender and France
World Cup
star Maxence Lacroix.
New Chelsea manager
Xabi Alonso
quickly identified Lacroix as a top target for this summer transfer window but any negotiations have had to wait until the end of the World Cup.
The centre-back has made two appearances in North America, most recently coming off the bench for the injured William Saliba in the 2-0 loss to Spain in the semi-finals.
The centre-back is expected to start for France against
England
in the third-place play-off match on Saturday, after which the Blues will begin their efforts to sign him.
Previous reports suggested an offer of under £50million would be enough for the Eagles to let their vice-captain move across London, but that no longer appears to be the case.
According to
The Times
, Palace’s valuation is based partly on the recent transfers for other
Premier League
centre-backs, including
Tottenham
paying
Brighton
£52m for Jan Paul van Hecke.
To that end, Palace will demand at least £55million for Lacroix, and even this seems cheap for a player who still has three years left on his contract.
Lacroix came off the bench as France lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-final (Photo: Getty)
Lacroix moved to Selhurst Park two years ago from Wolfsburg for £18m, playing a key role in winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League – the first trophies in Palace’s history.
Understandably, the Eagles, now under the guidance of Pierre Sage, don’t want to lose the 26-year-old but he has privately indicated his desire to move to Stamford Bridge.
Additionally, it is said that Palace have identified Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima as a potential replacement for Lacroix, but the south Londoners were always planning to sign a new centre-back this summer as they prepare for their Europa League debut.
Palace are interested in Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima (Photo: Getty)
Alonso has hinted that he will line Chelsea up in a back-three formation, which Lacroix is accustomed to, hence their interest.
With no European football this season, the Blues have to trim their squad however, with centre-backs Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah on the transfer list.
It is said that England World Cup star
Chalobah has been offered to Palace
but he has instead agreed personal terms with Como, while the Serie A side negotiating a fee with Chelsea.
Sky Italy
report that a deal is close but there is still a €10m (£8.5m) difference in their valuations.
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