Crystal Palace Sets £55 Million Price Tag on Maxence Lacroix Amid Chelsea Interest

Crystal Palace's Stance on Maxence Lacroix

Crystal Palace is currently in negotiations regarding their standout defender Maxence Lacroix, setting an asking price of £55 million as Chelsea intensifies its pursuit of the French international. Lacroix, who has been a vital player for Palace since joining from Wolfsburg two years ago, has not gone unnoticed by the Premier League's top clubs.

Chelsea's Persistent Interest

Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea is keen to reshape its defensive lineup, with Lacroix emerging as a key target. The 26-year-old has three years remaining on his contract, which strengthens Palace's negotiating position. Currently earning £60,000 a week, Lacroix’s impressive performance in recent seasons has made him a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense.

According to reporting by The Times, Palace justifies the £55 million price tag by referencing recent market trends, where players like Jan Paul van Hecke and Luka Vuskovic commanded fees exceeding £50 million.

Potential Defensive Departures at Chelsea

As Chelsea scrambles to secure Lacroix, the club is simultaneously looking to offload players such as Axel Disasi, who has spent the last 18 months on loans to Aston Villa and West Ham. Additionally, Trevoh Chalobah, another defender with previous ties to Palace, could also be on his way out, with interest reportedly coming from Italian side Como. Chelsea recently bolstered their defensive ranks by acquiring Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £43 million.

Crystal Palace’s Contingency Plans

In anticipation of Lacroix’s possible departure, Crystal Palace is proactively looking to strengthen their defensive options. The club has already secured the signing of former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer and is evaluating options like Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima. The impending sale of Lacroix marks a continuation of Palace’s strategy of developing talent and selling at premium prices, a trend exemplified by the profitable exits of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze in recent years.

Lacroix's Upcoming International Duty

As the speculation heats up, Lacroix is poised to take the field for the French national team in an upcoming World Cup third-place playoff against England, stepping in for the injured William Saliba. This match could see him reunited on the pitch with former Palace teammate Marc Guehi, who was sold to Manchester City earlier this year.

Palace's firm price tag on Lacroix reflects their commitment to maintaining their competitive edge while navigating the transfer market's evolving landscape.