Xabi Alonso set for second Chelsea signing as Lacroix greenlights move
The incoming Chelsea boss has identified Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as his next target after sanctioning a £35 million deal.
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is close to completing his second piece of summer business after giving the green light for a move to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder will officially take charge at Stamford Bridge next month on a four-year contract, but he has already been heavily involved in identifying targets.
Alonso is understood to have played a key role in Chelsea’s first signing of the window - a £51 million deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. The Italian’s arrival was somewhat overshadowed by Inter Milan’s initial interest, but Chelsea hijacked the move with Alonso personally convincing the 21-year-old to move to west London. Now the focus has shifted to shoring up the defensive line further.
Lacroix has impressed during his two seasons at Selhurst Park, making 70 Premier League appearances and helping Palace win the FA Cup and the Conference League. His form earned him a spot in Didier Deschamps’s France squad for the World Cup, although he is still awaiting his first minutes for the national side. Palace are demanding at least £35 million for the 26-year-old and are under no financial pressure to sell, but Chelsea are confident of reaching an agreement given the player’s desire to join Alonso’s project.
Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block, with Lacroix said to be keen on the move. Chelsea have already opened talks with their London rivals and Alonso’s presence is believed to be a major factor in the defender’s willingness to switch clubs. The Blues are eager to add proven Premier League quality to a squad that finished a disappointing 10th last season, and Lacroix fits that profile perfectly.
The need for defensive reinforcements has become more urgent following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid, while both Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah have been linked with exits. Gusto is attracting interest from new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca, and former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, now in charge of Como, wants to sign Chalobah. Once the defence is sorted, Alonso could turn his attention to midfield and attack, with England international Morgan Rogers among the names on Chelsea’s radar. A midfielder will become a priority if Enzo Fernandez gets his wish to leave for Real Madrid.
Alonso’s first Premier League game in charge will be a trip to west London rivals Fulham on 24 August. He marked his appointment by saying the club’s ambition matches his own, promising to build a team that can compete for trophies. With two key defensive signings already close, the new era at Stamford Bridge is taking shape.