Chelsea Plot Ambitious Swap Bid for Crystal Palace Star Maxence Lacroix

The defensive line at Stamford Bridge is set for a complete overhaul this summer and one of the primary targets for Chelsea is French centre back Maxence Lacroix, currently playing for Crystal Palace. 

The Chelsea hierarchy is planning to approach Palace with a swap plus cash deal that involves Tosin Adarabioyo to facilitate the transfer. 

Sources indicate that the Chelsea side could offer €40 million in cash along with Adarabioyo for the French defender.

Swap Deal on the Table

It is understood that Lacroix is open to a move to Chelsea as he believes this step will help him secure a more prominent role within the France National Team. 

The 26-year-old centre back has earned the title of the fastest defender in the Premier League this season. 

He has become a significant name in the world of defending with a 61% success rate in both aerial duels and ground challenges. Scouting departments from clubs interested in Lacroix have closely monitored many of his matches throughout this campaign.

Lacroix joined the Crystal Palace squad in the summer of 2024 from Wolfsburg for a very reasonable fee of €18 million. His market value has now reached the €40 million level. 

Following the transfer of Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January Lacroix rose to become the undisputed leader of the Palace defence. In this context it seems inevitable that the Palace board will maintain their stubborn seller stance.

Stubborn Sellers 

Palace is aware that major clubs are waiting at the door and instead of taking a passive approach they are considering offering improved contract terms to Lacroix. 

There is no release clause in his current contract and the agreement runs until 2029. 

Sources state that Crystal Palace is willing to extend his contract until 2030 and 2031 while increasing the salary of the French defender. 

This situation provides Palace with a strong hand in negotiations. The Palace management is preparing to demand at least €60 million. Whether the Chelsea offer of Tosin plus cash will meet this valuation remains uncertain for now.

Chelsea Rebuild

On the Chelsea front the defence requires a radical reform. 

Apart from Levi Colwill players like Tosin along with Benoit Badiashile and Mamadou Sarr have failed to meet expectations. 

The Blues have entered a search for a long term defensive partner. Considering the expected arrival of Xabi Alonso and the subsequent squad restructuring Lacroix could be one of the cornerstones of this transformation.

Competition is also extremely fierce. Liverpool and Chelsea as well as Tottenham are currently among the teams chasing Lacroix. 

PSG and Real Madrid have also joined this race. It is known that the PSG side is particularly keen on reinforcing their defensive line for the new season. However, whether they will make a formal move for the French defender is not yet clear. The fact that so many massive clubs are involved at the same time strengthens the negotiating position for Palace.