Chelsea are preparing for a major defensive transformation this summer ahead of Xabi Alonso's arrival as manager, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix emerging as one of the club's primary transfer targets.
The west London side are determined to strengthen their backline by signing at least one central defender. Lacroix, 26, is viewed as a key addition — and Palace are bracing themselves for a formal bid from their London rivals as the France international continues his involvement at the World Cup.
Lacroix's value to Palace
Lacroix has three years remaining on his Crystal Palace contract and was an integral figure in the club's FA Cup and Europa Conference League victories. Palace are eager to tie him down to a new deal, though it remains uncertain whether the defender is willing to enter those discussions.
Alongside Lacroix, Chelsea have identified Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon — aged just 21 — as another potential option for their defensive rebuild. However, Ramon remains tied to former club Real Madrid through existing contractual clauses, adding complexity to any potential move.
A summer of sweeping changes
Chelsea's defensive reshuffle is already underway. The club sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £51.8m this summer, and a move for Atalanta's Marco Palestra — valued at more than £43m — is on the verge of completion. Palestra, who can operate at full-back on either side, is set to be Alonso's first signing.
Fellow full-back Malo Gusto is reassessing his future at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea placing a £75m valuation on the Frenchman. He has attracted interest from Manchester City.
The futures of centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are also uncertain, with further departures considered likely to free up squad space. Chelsea may also turn their attention to an attacker and a midfielder later in the window.
Adding further intrigue, Como — who are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah — are focused on strengthening their own defence rather than reducing it, leaving the potential deal in a delicate balance. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have named Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, whom the Blues value at £120m, as one of their primary summer targets — with Fernandez said to be keen on the switch.
