Updated: 1 Jul 2026 15:38 BST |
5 min read
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Chelsea have learned how much they would need to pay to sign Maxence Lacroix this summer after offering Crystal Palace four players in exchange for their star defender.
Lacroix has emerged as Chelsea’s top defensive target this summer and reports in France have claimed that the 26-year-old has agreed to move to Stamford Bridge after his participation at the 2026 World Cup.
Palace have insisted they have not had any contact with Chelsea over a deal according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the Eagles will ask for more than the €60 million that Jan Paul van Hecke joined Tottenham for from Brighton last month.
Van Hecke was a target for Chelsea prior to joining Spurs and the Dutchman was sold for a significant fee despite having just one year remaining on his contract, while Lacroix’s deal expires in 2029, which has led Palace to believe they have the leverage in any negotiations.
Chelsea are hoping to get rid of some of the deadwood in their squad this summer and TEAMtalk reports that they have offered Palace a choice from four defenders in the hopes of lowering any transfer fee.
Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah are all said to have been offered to Palace but Pierre Sage’s side have made it clear they are looking elsewhere, with Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell believed to be their ideal Lacroix replacement.
Chelsea looking to shift deadwood to sign Lacroix
Although formal talks have not begun to sign Lacroix, Chelsea are optimistic that they can seal a move for the Palace star and they will continue to pursue a deal while the defender is at the World Cup.
However, with the Blues not playing in Europe next season, they are determined to shrink their squad size and get rid of players that are not expected to be in the plans of new manager Xabi Alonso.
Disasi has been on Chelsea’s transfer list for a number of years, having not played for the club since 2024, and interest has developed in the Frenchman after his loan spell at West Ham last season.
Badiashile also does not have a future at the club after starting just eight Premier League matches last season, while Adarabioyo also fell out of favour over the course of the campaign and is free to leave.
Chalobah would perhaps be the only player of some interest to Palace, having spent time on loan there in 2024, and Chelsea are open to his departure for the right price, although Serie A side Como have been pursuing the England international and could provide an exit path for him.” href=”https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/06/chelsea-transfers-world-cup-defender-slapped-with-eur40m-price-tag” target=”_blank”>b>Serie A side Como have been pursuing the England international and could provide an exit path for him.
Should any of those players be sold, it would make a move for Lacroix far more feasible, although Chelsea appear determined to sign the Palace star and will continue to hold talks to sign him.
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