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Chelsea have reportedly been told they must pay £55 million if they wish to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace this summer. The French centre-back has become a major target for the Blues as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to overhaul the team’s defence ahead of the upcoming season.

Palace set a high price for Lacroix

As per The Times, Crystal Palace have set a £55 million asking price for Lacroix, with Chelsea stepping up their interest in the France international. The 26-year-old has played a vital role in the Eagles’ backline since joining from Wolfsburg two years ago. His consistent performances have attracted attention from top Premier League sides. With three years left on his £60,000-per-week contract at Selhurst Park, Palace are in a strong position to negotiate.

The South London club are said to be basing their valuation on recent market movements, having seen players such as Jan Paul van Hecke and Luka Vuskovic command transfer fees exceeding £50 million. Palace consequently believe Lacroix merits a price tag of at least £55 million.

Chelsea consider defensive reshuffle

Meanwhile, Chelsea are planning to offload some defenders to make room for potential new arrivals. Axel Disasi is expected to be sold permanently after loan spells at both Aston Villa and West Ham over the past 18 months. In addition, Trevoh Chalobah—who previously had a loan stint at Crystal Palace—is being linked with a move to Italian side Como.

The west London club have already bolstered their defence by signing Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £43 million earlier this summer, as part of Alonso’s broader efforts to rebuild the squad.

Palace plan for possible Lacroix exit

Although Palace are determined to secure their desired fee, they appear to be preparing for life without Lacroix. The club have already added former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer to strengthen their options at the back and are also reportedly monitoring Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima as another possible signing.

If Lacroix is sold, it would mark yet another profitable transfer for Crystal Palace, continuing their recent pattern of nurturing players and selling them for substantial sums—a strategy that has already seen the departures of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze in recent windows.

Lacroix expected to start for France against England

On the international stage, Lacroix is set to start for France in their World Cup third-place play-off against England on Saturday. He will step in for the injured Arsenal defender William Saliba. The match will see Lacroix go head-to-head with his former Palace teammate Marc Guehi, who completed a move to Manchester City in January.