Sources: Crystal Palace set Maxence Lacroix price tag as Chelsea eye ‘top target’
Crystal Palace are set to demand at least £50m for Maxence Lacroix this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old centre-back has emerged as a “top target” for Chelsea this transfer window after an impressive Premier League campaign.
The Blues want to sign the France international as soon as possible, given that he has proven himself in the English top-flight.
Palace do not want to sell Lacroix, but will consider his departure if the price is right.
The defender made 35 appearances in the Premier League for the Eagles last season and scored one goal.
He also proved to be crucial in Palace’s Conference League campaign, as they lifted their third major trophy in just over 12 months.
Can Maxence Lacroix solve Chelsea’s defensive issues?
Chelsea’s backline was a serious issue in the 2025-26 campaign.
The club conceded 52 goals in the Premier League, more than the likes of Nottingham Forest, who ended the campaign in 16th-place.
However, if Chelsea could bring in Lacroix, he could go a long way to solving this issue.
According to Fotmob on 25 June, the defender has many impressive stats from his 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Overall, he was averaging, 1.75 tackles, 1.31 interceptions, 7.35 clearances, 0.32 clean sheets and 0.06 assists per 90 minutes.
If this can be replicated at Chelsea, it could go a long way to ensuring that the club climbs back up the Premier League table this season.
Will Chelsea also sell a centre-back this summer?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Chelsea are expected to sell one senior centre-back this summer.
While Axel Diasi is set to depart Stamford Bridge, another player in his position is expected to follow him out the door.
However, the Blues have no plans to sell Josh Acheampong this summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old is highly regarded at Chelsea and the club has high hopes for the defender.
The centre-back has shown significant quality for his age, and Xabi Alonso will be hopeful that he can kick on in the 2026-27 campaign.
However, it remains to be seen how the Blues line up at the back next season, with the club already overloaded with players who can play centre-back.