Chelsea have signed Crystal Palace and France centre-back Maxence Lacroix on a six-year contract, making him their fifth arrival of the summer. The move reflects a shift in Chelsea’s recruitment towards more experienced players after a 10th-place finish, as the club seeks to strengthen its defence and challenge for trophies under Xabi Alonso.

Lacroix, 26, made 55 appearances for Palace last season after joining from Wolfsburg in 2024, and previously won the FA Cup and Conference League with the club. Chelsea had targeted defensive reinforcements amid Levi Colwill’s long-term injury absence, while Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah played much of last season; the club have also signed Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda.