Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea from Crystal Palace with the clubs close to agreeing a dealMaxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea from Crystal Palace with the two clubs close to agreeing a deal, the Press Association understands. The France international, who won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace, has been the Blues’ main defensive target this summer and will become their fifth signing of the transfer window. Chelsea have been looking to add experience to their back line having missed out on Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet in January, with the player opting to join Liverpool. Lacroix, who made 55 appearances last season for Palace, has been one of the league’s most consistent defenders since moving to Selhurst Park from Wolfsburg in 2024. World Cup-winner Marc Cucurella moved to Real Madrid in June while fellow defender Malo Gusto, Lacroix’s international team-mate, could also depart with Manchester City amongst the clubs interested.