Crystal Palace have made the first move in their contingency plan for Maxence Lacroix, handing Chelsea a fresh transfer signal in Xabi Alonso’s centre-back search.
Standard Sport reports that Palace have sounded out Charlie Cresswell’s representatives over a potential move from Toulouse. The same report states Chelsea remain interested in Lacroix, although no official bid has yet been submitted.
The development matters because Palace are not under obvious financial pressure to sell. Any movement towards Cresswell, then, looks less like routine housekeeping and more like sensible planning around a defender attracting serious Premier League attention.
Alonso’s Defensive Search Is Moving Into A Sharper Phase
Chelsea have already added Marco Palestra, with the club confirming the Italy defender has signed until 2033 and will join Alonso’s pre-season group.
That gives the new head coach a right-sided reinforcement, but the central-defensive picture is still unresolved. Standard Sport has also reported that Lacroix is one of Chelsea’s leading centre-back targets, with Como’s Jacobo Ramon among the alternatives.
ReadChelsea has previously covered why Lacroix would stretch Chelsea’s transfer logic. He brings recovery pace, Premier League experience and the aggressive front-foot profile Alonso will need if Chelsea defend higher next season.
The key question is whether Chelsea now turn interest into a formal offer. Palace preparing a possible succession route does not guarantee a deal, but it does suggest the market around Lacroix is beginning to tighten.
For Chelsea, that should sharpen the decision. If Lacroix is the preferred centre-back, Alonso will need the club to move before Palace either firm up a replacement or push the price beyond the sensible range.
