Chelsea open talks for Maxence Lacroix as top target

Chelsea have officially opened negotiations to sign 26‑year‑old French centre‑back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, a move reported by Fabrizio Romano. The Premier League club view the former Wolfsburg defender as their primary centre‑back target this summer, with talks on personal terms already under way.

Chelsea have started negotiations with Lacroix’s representatives to reach an agreement on personal terms. Romano understands that, once talks with the 26‑year‑old are concluded, the club will move to direct negotiations with Crystal Palace.

Lacroix sits at the top of Chelsea’s centre‑back shortlist. The West London side have also been linked with several other defenders during the summer window.

One of those names is 21‑year‑old Jacobo Ramón, who currently plays for Italian club Como. Despite those links, the Frenchman remains the priority for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Lacroix is presently involved with the France national team at the FIFA World Cup. His international duties mean any transfer would need to be arranged around the tournament schedule.

The information comes from a report by Fabrizio Romano, published by GFFN. The article was authored by Liam Wraith.