Chelsea are not messing about this summer, the Blues have just agreed a big-money deal to bring Crystal Palace powerhouse Maxence Lacroix to Stamford Bridge!

In a huge statement of intent, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign French defender Maxence Lacroix.

According to cbinews.tv, negotiations between the two London clubs have now been concluded, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, the 26-year-old is now set to undergo his medical ahead of completing the switch to Stamford Bridge, where he is expected to pen a long-term deal running until 2032.

It is a massive move for Chelsea, who have been desperate to add steel and presence to their backline.

And Lacroix ticks every box. After two outstanding seasons at Selhurst Park, the 6ft 4in centre-back has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League.

Since joining Palace from Wolfsburg in August 2024, he became a key man under Oliver Glasner, helping the Eagles lift the UEFA Conference League title and enjoy strong campaigns domestically, form that even earned him a place in France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The stats back it up too. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he was the only player to register at least 50 tackles, 200 duels won and 250 clearances.

Chelsea are also big fans of his versatility. Comfortable in both a back four and a back three, Lacroix will give new boss Xabi Alonso plenty of tactical options as the rebuild continues.

The deal, understood to have been negotiated at ownership level, means Chelsea are now closing in on one of the league’s standout central defenders.

Credit: cbinews.tv

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