Maxence Lacroix has been linked with a move away from Crystal Palace this summer.
Chelsea are interested in signing the 26-year-old French defender. According to Football Insider, several European teams are monitoring his situation and could look to make a move in the coming weeks.
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Maxence Lacroix could cost £60 million
The report claims that Crystal Palace could accept £60 million for the defender, and it remains to be seen whether the Blues are willing to pay that amount.
Mick Brown said: “Lacroix is somebody I watched closely while he was at Wolfsburg, and since he’s gone to Palace he’s become more and more impressive, so it’s no surprise there is interest.
“When that interest comes from a club like Chelsea, you have to be realistic and say it’s going to be very difficult for Palace to keep hold of him and his exit could be inevitable.
“If he continues to perform at a high level at the World Cup, he will want to make that step up to a big club, and while Chelsea are the ones being mentioned, there are other clubs keen.
“But from a Palace point of view, they will be bracing for offers, and probably something around £60million will be enough to get a deal over the line.”
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Chelsea could use Lacroix
They need to improve defensively, and the French defender would be the ideal acquisition. He has been outstanding for Crystal Palace since moving to the Premier League, and he has helped them win the FA Cup, the Community Shield and the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Chelsea had a disappointing season last year and missed out on European football. They will look to bounce back strongly, and they need quality players in order to get back on track. The French defender is already well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact.
However, his departure would be a huge blow for Crystal Palace. They have already sanctioned Marc Guehi’s departure in January. Losing another quality central defender within a few months would be a major setback.
Meanwhile, the defender could be attracted to the idea of joining Chelsea as well. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he would be able to fight for major trophies with them. They have the resources to build a formidable team, and they would like to push for trophies next year.
We are happy to see Max at chelsea, i dream of him play alongside Palestra, Valentin and James in a back 4. To Lacroix “Welcome to stanford bridge and win trophys with us”
Wot the f**k.. why will a whooping £60M be spent on Max @24… a sale of between £45M and @maximum £50Mis ok just because CFC is the one that came knockin’😳… premiership clubs are insane when it comes to Chelsea asking for their players and they’re always smart in poaching our players on the cheap🙄… we are not the Arab contractors mehnnn🤦🏽♂️
Chelsea came a knocking to Crystal Palace let’s get that right.They don’t need to sell Lacroix he is under contract until 2029. You had Ghehi, you had Olise but big clubs have no patience to develop players. Neither Ghehi or Olise wanted to return to Palace. Maybe it’s about time you identify future stars in your ranks and give them time or else you will keep fishing in another’s pond looking for your big catch!