Chelsea have reached an settlement for the everlasting switch of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix to Stamford Bridge this summer time, based on Fabrizio Romano.
For the reason that BlueCo takeover of Chelsea, one place that has come underneath heavy scrutiny on the membership is the backline. Within the 2023-24 season underneath Mauricio Pochettino, they conceded a sky-high 74 targets in all competitions and 63 in 38 Premier League video games, probably the most the membership have ever conceded in a 38-game league season.
Final season was no exception; regardless of excessive hopes following their Membership World Cup win, Chelsea endured a disappointing marketing campaign the place they conceded 52 targets within the Premier League.
Greater than the targets, the dearth of expertise and high quality was evident of their penchant for conceding avoidable targets and giving freely probabilities to opponents by way of errors.
Consequently, Chelsea are actually exhibiting a dedication to strengthening their backline and have already signed Italian fullback Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
The Blues have been closely linked with Palace’s Lacroix, with Soccer Discuss citing TEAMtalk reporting that Chelsea are making important progress in signing the Frenchman.
It seems a deal has now been agreed, as Fabrizio Romano studies that Chelsea have reached an settlement to signal Lacroix from Palace this summer time.
Lacroix to Chelsea
After a number of negotiations that started through the World Cup marketing campaign, the switch professional provides that the Eagles have accepted Chelsea’s £52m price.
The France worldwide is about to endure his medicals earlier than placing pen to paper on an extended contract that runs till 2032, Romano provides.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Lacroix possesses the bodily attributes to thrive within the Premier League. His tempo, power and talent in one-on-one conditions enable him to defend successfully whether or not his aspect employs a excessive line of defense or sits deeper.
Since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in 2024, the 26-year-old has ranked among the many quickest centre-backs within the Premier League. That restoration tempo has performed a serious function in establishing him as probably the most reliable defenders in one-versus-one duels.
In line with stats from Opta, he was the one centre-back within the league to win 50+ tackles (60), 200+ duels gained (204) and 250+ clearances (252).
His addition would hand Xabi Alonso a dependable centre-back choice that’s able to taking part in effectively in a again three or again 4 subsequent season.
