Chelsea have officially held formal talks with Crystal Palace today over a potential transfer for French defender Maxence Lacroix.
The French international is viewed as the perfect fit for new head coach Xabi Alonso’s trademark three-at-the-back system. However, securing his services will not come cheap. The Eagles are standing firm on their valuation, looking to recoup a fee in the region of €55 million—a similar figure to what Tottenham Hotspur recently paid for Paul van Hecke.
Chelsea will need to act fast if they want to get this deal over the line. Their London rivals, Arsenal, are also credited with a strong interest in Lacroix, meaning a bidding war in the capital could be on the horizon.
With both clubs desperate to bolster their defensive options, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if the Blues can meet Palace’s hefty price tag first.
