Chelsea 'handed boost in Maxence Lacroix chase' as talks accelerate

Chelsea have been handed a new boost in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix after Arsenal cooled their interest.

Mikel Arteta's side had been eyeing the 26-year-old as a replacement for his international teammate William Saliba, who could be ruled out for as long as five months with a back injury.

However, they have been deterred by the Eagles' lofty price tag and are instead considering a number of other candidates to bolster their defensive line.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Chelsea are now the front-runners to sign Lacroix and are advancing in talks with Crystal Palace.

The two clubs are engaged in talks over the centre-back's future after he emerged as a leading target for Xabi Alonso as he aims to bolster his defensive options.

Arsenal's interest had been tipped as a potenital stumbling block for the Blues, but they will be encouraged by what has now become a free run at Lacroix's signature.

Will Chelsea complete the signing of Maxence Lacroix?

Football Insider revealed last month that Lacroix is Chelsea's top target in his position after keeping a close eye on his performances for Crystal Palace in the last 12 months.

The France international has played a crucial role in Palace winning the FA Cup, Community Shielf and Conference League since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2024.

Now, he is edging closer to a move to Stamford Bridge as they aim for a busy summer window to get back to the top of the Premier League.

"It looks like Chelsea is going to be where Lacroix ends up," Brown told Football Insider.

"They've held talks with Palace, and we're now speaking about a few other players who Arsenal are looking at, so it seems their focus is elsewhere at the moment.

"I don't think Arsenal would have been willing to match Crystal Palace's asking price anyway, so as far as Chelsea are concerned, they are in a good position.

"If things continue to go in the way they are at the moment, it looks like this move will happen, and he would be a very good signing for Chelsea as he's proved during his time at Palace.

"He's a top-class Premier League player now, he's gone from strength to strength since he joined Crystal Palace and dismissed any doubts.

"From a Crystal Palace point of view, it will be a blow to lose Lacroix, but they want to ensure they get a fair value for him rather than doing a deal on Chelsea's terms."

How do Crystal Palace feel about selling Lacroix?

Crystal Palace have been clear on their stance over Lacroix and all of their best players this summer, with the Eagles reluctant to lose them unless the right offer comes along.

Following the appointment of Pierre Sage and their qualifcation for the Europa League, the South London club are hoping for another strong season.

As a result, Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Crystal Palace value Lacroix at £65million, having seen Jan Paul Van Hecke join Tottenham for £55million this summer.

The centre-back has three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, placing them in a strong position to dictate a fee that works for them rather than their rivals.

Chelsea's decision to push forward in talks has led to some suggestions of a reduced fee, but the Eagles are prepared to stand by their lofty asking price.