Maxence Lacroix has been identified as Chelsea’s No.1 centre back target this summer with the Blues working on a deal to sign the Crystal Palace and France defender
While Maxence Lacroix’s representatives work hard behind the scenes to sort the Crystal Palace defender’s future out, the France international is fully focused on Les Bleus’ World Cup campaign.
Sources say the Blues intensified their efforts to sign the 26-year-old defender earlier this week with the west London club holding direct talks with the Eagles over a possible deal. Chelsea made an official enquiry to Palace to get negotiations underway, while there is some noise the French defender is keen on the idea of a Stamford Bridge switch this summer.
There is plenty of speculation around Lacroix’s future and where he will be playing his football next season, but the French defender will be focusing on helping his country in their bid to lift the World Cup next month. Lacroix made his debut in football’s most iconic competition on Friday evening, as he helped Les Bleus to a 4-1 victory over Norway.
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After sitting out of the first two matches, Didier Deschamps opted with Lacroix at the heart of defence, alongside Dayot Upamecano. Lacroix played the full 90 minutes as Ousmane Dembele scored a spectacular hat-trick to ensure France, the tournament favourites, concluded the group stage with a 100% record.
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto got a few minutes on the pitch. With four minutes of normal time remaining, the 23-year-old was brought on for Jules Kounde to help see out the match for France at the Boston Stadium.
Gusto may be in the ear of Lacroix on international duty ahead of a potential link-up at Stamford Bridge next season. However, there are doubts over the right back’s future with the west London club, with Manchester City and Enzo Maresca sniffing around.
Chelsea are well aware of the interest in Gusto’s signature, not just from Man City but from other top clubs as well, with Blues insiders referencing a £75million valuation on the defender’s head this summer. While Chelsea will be more than happy if Gusto is in Xabi Alonso’s squad by the time the summer transfer window closes, the France international will be allowed to leave if the price is right.
