Why Chelsea are not signing Maxence Lacroix as there are two factors behind the Crystal Palace deal
Chelsea have been in talks for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix for what feels like weeks, so what exactly is holding a deal?
Chelsea remain keen on Lacroix, but patience seems to be the word of the game as the Blues wait for the right moment to push a deal over the line.
When movement occurs, it seems to make sense.
Lacroix has already shown he can cope with the demands of the Premier League and will add pace, strength and reliability to a Chelsea defense that lacks consistency.
The Frenchman, who played for Les Bleus at the World Cup in America, finished 2025/2026 as Palace’s highest-rated defender with an average of 7.03 per game – more than any other Chelsea star Joao Pedro (WhoScored).
The 26-year-old also started 35 Premier League games as a starter for former Palace boss Oliver Glasner, averaging 7.2 points per game – joint-most in the league with Virgil van Dijk.
It’s clear as day why Chelsea are looking for a centre-back, despite their large collection of central defenders, BlueCo are trying to support new boss Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have been in talks with Lacroix and Palace for a while, with French newspaper L’Equipe even reporting that the deal is good as done.
There have also been rumors that Palace have inquired about Trevoh Chalobah in Chelsea’s discussions regarding Lacroix and Adam Wharton, but things have been very quiet recently.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Simon Phillips has established himself as one of the most reliable journalists covering Chelsea’s transfer business. Although he is mainly focused on the club, many of his special things are later confirmed by national journalists. His knowledge is generally well connected, although the conditions of transmission may naturally change as the negotiations progress. |
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Finance |
Chelsea’s transfer strategy this summer seems to be very close to selling players before spending big money. Palace are under no financial pressure to sell Lacroix, strengthening their negotiating position, while Chelsea hope the outgoing deals will create both club space and financial flexibility before making a formal move. |
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Understanding |
Lacroix has developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg. His speed of recovery, strength in one-on-one situations and ability to defend high up the pitch earned him the attention of France and increased interest from top clubs. |
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Impact |
Lacroix could provide Chelsea with the reliable defensive partner they have been looking for alongside Levi Colwill. His pace would suit Alonso’s preferred style, and his Premier League experience does not match the need to sleep on time. |
New reports from Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, via his Substack, say there are two main reasons why negotiations are slowing down rather than picking up speed.
Why Chelsea haven’t signed Lacroix as the two key factors holding up the Crystal Palace deal
The first is Lacroix’s performance with France in the World Cup, where they are still playing for third place with England.
Chelsea are reluctant to disrupt the defender while he focuses on international work, with competition delaying talks involving several players in Europe.
The second issue is Chelsea’s transfer business.
Before committing significant cash to another signing, the club are looking to move more players out the door after selling Andrey Santos to Man United.
A move away from defense is seen as the most important, with Chalobah, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile among the names linked with a possible exit this summer.
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Chelsea have identified Lacroix as one of their top transfer targets and talks on personal terms are not believed to be an issue.
However, agreeing a fee with Crystal Palace is expected to be a priority once sales generate more room for the club and the wage bill.
Palace are under no immediate pressure to invest in the Frenchman, meaning Chelsea are unlikely to press the matter until they are ready to make a decisive move.
That approach could help avoid unnecessary negotiations while the London club reshapes its squad.
With Alonso looking to build a defense capable of challenging for major honours, Lacroix remains high on Chelsea’s shortlist, and is set to join after ‘good talks’.
This is expected to be accelerated after the weekend, with a £60 million deal being floated by Phillips as Alonso’s side wait for the right time to speed up negotiations.
As things stand, it seems this one is over, for now.
