Chelsea Nears Lacroix Signing Amidst Major Squad Overhaul
Defender's medical scheduled as club pursues long-term strategy and other key transfers.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
Chelsea is reportedly close to securing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, a move signaling significant shifts within the club's roster.
The 26-year-old centre-back prepares to sign a contract extending until June 2032, solidifying his long-term commitment to the club.
David Ornstein confirmed the "~£52m deal being finalised," confirming the advanced stage of negotiations and the significant investment.
Fabrizio Romano stated, "Yesterday I told you negotiations were progressing and now Maxence Lacroix is one step away from becoming a Chelsea player," a swift progression after weeks of intense speculation.
Lacroix emerged as Chelsea's primary centre-back target at the summer transfer window's outset, with the club pressing ahead after his impressive season at Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace has not issued an official statement regarding Lacroix's transfer to Chelsea, though reports indicated the club sought approximately £60 million for the defender.
The agreement with the player is fully completed. Personal terms are agreed and Lacroix is excited about joining Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano added, "The agreement with the player is fully completed. Personal terms are agreed and Lacroix is excited about joining Chelsea," smoothing the path for the transfer.
This potential acquisition follows Marc Cucurella's departure from Chelsea, as Cucurella moved to Real Madrid in a €55 million transfer, creating space in the squad.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa engages in discussions for Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson; Simon Jones and Bobby Manzi claim Villa pursues another Chelsea player after Alejandro Garnacho.
Specific details regarding Nicolas Jackson's proposed fee remain undisclosed, with talks continuing as of today, July 24, 2026.
Axel Disasi is not expected to feature in the Lacroix deal; Fabrizio Romano reported, "Disasi is not currently expected to be part of the deal."
Romano further stated, "He is looking at different opportunities and is not understood to be keen on joining Crystal Palace," confirming Disasi's future lies elsewhere.
Chelsea sources confirm the club will not pursue Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, having not, at any point, enquired about him and holding no plans to do so.
This stance clarifies Chelsea's midfield priorities, focusing on other targets, while Middlesbrough, in a separate development, talks to sign USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps.
Fabrizio Romano reports Chelsea has identified Kerim Alajbegovic as their next summer transfer target, a player attracting significant attention from multiple clubs.
Xabi Alonso knew Alajbegovic well from his time at Bayer Leverkusen, and Chelsea has continuously monitored the player, tracking his development.
So the decision will also depend on whether the player prefers Chelsea’s long-term project or an immediate role in Italy.
Romano characterized Alajbegovic as a "project signing for the future" for Chelsea, indicating a long-term strategic investment in young talent.
Several Italian clubs also strongly pursue Alajbegovic, creating a competitive environment for his signature.
Atalanta previously expressed interest in Alajbegovic, but no agreement currently exists between the clubs, allowing other Serie A sides to enter the bidding.
Fabrizio Romano concluded, "So the decision will also depend on whether the player prefers Chelsea’s long-term project or an immediate role in Italy," highlighting Alajbegovic's pivotal career choice.
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