Chelsea Identify Lacroix as Defensive Target
Chelsea is keen to sign French center back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in the summer. The Blues are facing recurring injury issues and inconsistency of the players in the center-back position; Chelsea under Xabi Alonso is aiming for Lacroix as one of the options to revamp the central defense, [reports Ben Jacobs [TalkSport]](https://x.com/JacobsBen/status/2069429516121112737)
Maxence Lacroix is a center back who could play as central center back in a 3-at-the-back system and right center back in a 4-at-the-back system. Xabi Alonso also used both formations in the defense of his team in previous spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
Players have contracts until 2029 with Crystal Palace, so the South Londoners are not desperate to sell the player; however, they will consider a sale if the right offer arrives for Lacroix and Palace is in a strong negotiation position.
Como defender Jacob Ramon is also on the radar of Chelsea, but Lacroix remains the priority target for the southwest Londoners.
Lacroix's Defensive Strengths
Lacroix is renowned for his physical dominance and aerial ability, the French defender is an assertive presence at the heart of the defense. He excels at stepping out to engage opponents and has the recovery pace and anticipation required to cover as the last defender.
Lacroix is particularly adept at delivering long, progressive balls to attacking areas, a trait that has been refined through his time under Oliver Glasner at both Wolfsburg and Crystal Palace. Glasner's tactical setup often requires defenders to bypass opposition lines with direct balls towards forwards making runs into the blind side of defenders, and Lacroix has consistently demonstrated the vision and execution needed to fulfill that role effectively.
Crystal Palace Set €40m Valuation
According to sources, Crystal Palace has set their valuation for the player around €40 million; a departure in summer is likely following the relinquishment of Oliver Glasner from the managerial job.