Chelsea have been informed they must pay at least £55 million to sign Crystal Palace defender and France World Cup star Maxence Lacroix. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso identified the centre-back as a top target for the summer transfer window, but negotiations had to wait until after the World Cup.
Lacroix has made two appearances in North America during the tournament, most recently coming off the bench for the injured William Saliba in France's 2-0 semi-final loss to Spain. He is expected to start for France against England in the third-place play-off match on Saturday, after which Chelsea will begin their efforts to secure his signature.
Palace's Valuation Rises
Previous reports suggested an offer of under £50 million would be enough for Crystal Palace to let their vice-captain move across London, but that no longer appears to be the case. According to The Times, Palace's valuation is based partly on recent transfers for other Premier League centre-backs, including Tottenham paying Brighton £52 million for Jan Paul van Hecke.
To that end, Palace will demand at least £55 million for Lacroix, and even this seems cheap for a player who still has three years left on his contract. Lacroix moved to Selhurst Park two years ago from Wolfsburg for £18 million, playing a key role in winning the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League – the first trophies in Palace's history.
Player's Desire and Potential Replacement
Understandably, the Eagles, now under the guidance of Pierre Sage, do not want to lose the 26-year-old, but he has privately indicated his desire to move to Stamford Bridge. Additionally, it is said that Palace have identified Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima as a potential replacement for Lacroix, but the south Londoners were always planning to sign a new centre-back this summer as they prepare for their Europa League debut.
Alonso has hinted that he will line Chelsea up in a back-three formation, which Lacroix is accustomed to, hence their interest. With no European football this season, the Blues have to trim their squad, with centre-backs Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah on the transfer list.
Chalobah's Potential Departure
It is said that England World Cup star Chalobah has been offered to Palace but he has instead agreed personal terms with Como, while the Serie A side negotiates a fee with Chelsea. Sky Italy reports that a deal is close but there is still a €10 million (£8.5 million) difference in their valuations.
