Chelsea have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace to sign France defender Maxence Lacroix, with the 26-year-old expected to complete a medical and sign a contract running until 2032. The move would strengthen Chelsea’s central-defensive options, while representing a major sale for Palace after Lacroix became a key player in their recent success.

Palace had sought about £60m for Lacroix, whom they signed from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an initial £15.5m plus possible add-ons. He made 55 appearances last season as Palace won the Uefa Conference League, and his defensive output included 60 tackles, 204 duels won and 252 clearances in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.