Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix in a deal expected to exceed £55 million. As the clubs work to finalize the transfer, Palace have entered talks with Chelsea to acquire defender Axel Disasi, who is currently being shopped by the Stamford Bridge side.
Chelsea’s Pursuit of Maxence Lacroix
Following a period of transition in their defensive strategy, the Blues have identified the Frenchman as a priority target who brings both Premier League experience and physical presence to the squad.
Negotiations between the two London clubs have accelerated significantly, with multiple reports suggesting a deal is in the final stages. While initial bids were reported in the region of £55 million, some outlets indicate that Crystal Palace is holding out for closer to £60m. The structure of the agreement is expected to include performance-related bonuses to bridge the valuation gap between the two sides.
Lacroix’s rise to prominence has been rapid since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2024. His former manager, Oliver Glasner, praised his development, stating, There is Maxence Lacroix, who came from Wolfsburg, and many asked, ‘Why did you sign this player?’ I think he stepped up.
The defender has proven his utility across various defensive schemes, ranking among the top five fastest centre-backs in the Premier League and showing reliability in one-on-one situations.
Axel Disasi and the Crystal Palace Replacement Search
The 28-year-old defender, who spent the latter half of the 2025/26 season on loan at West Ham United, is currently surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge under manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have set an asking price of £25m plus add-ons for Disasi. While Palace see the Frenchman as a natural successor to Lacroix, negotiations are independent of the fee being paid for the incoming defender. Earlier reports had suggested a potential swap deal involving Disasi, but those claims were dismissed by transfer experts who noted that the player has not favored a move to Palace as part of a direct trade.
Disasi’s future has been the subject of significant speculation after he failed to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea since January 2025. With Roma and AC Milan also expressing interest in the defender, Palace faces competition to secure his signature. However, his familiarity with the Premier League makes him a primary target for the Eagles as they look to maintain their defensive stability.
Chelsea’s Strategic Shift in Transfer Policy
The move for Lacroix represents a tactical pivot for Chelsea. After years of focusing heavily on younger, unproven prospects, the club is increasingly prioritizing players capable of making an immediate impact. This follows a period where the club’s defensive output saw them concede more than 50 league goals for three consecutive seasons, a statistic that has prompted a return to recruiting experienced talent.
| Player | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Maxence Lacroix | Centre-back | In final stages of move to Chelsea |
| Axel Disasi | Centre-back | Available for transfer; Palace in talks |
Chelsea’s ability to fund these moves has been aided by a successful window of player sales, which have generated significant sums. This financial flexibility allows the club to pursue established targets like Lacroix while simultaneously managing the departures of fringe players like Disasi. As negotiations continue in New York, the coming days are expected to finalize the structure of the deal, marking a major addition to the Blues’ defensive core ahead of the new campaign.
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