Chelsea have been warned that Crystal Palace will demand a sizeable fee for Maxence Lacroix after the Blues showed interest in the centre-back.
Xabi Alonso is assessing defensive reinforcements as Chelsea prepare for his first season at Stamford Bridge.
Lacroix remains among the leading names under consideration, but Chelsea have not yet submitted a formal offer to Palace.
According to the Evening Standard, Palace are determined to receive a substantial fee because the France international still has three years remaining on his contract.
The Eagles are already exploring potential defensive additions, with Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima emerging as a target.
However, Palace’s interest in another defender does not mean they are prepared to accept a reduced offer for Lacroix.
Palace hold strong Lacroix position
Lacroix joined Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 on a five-year contract and has since established himself as one of their most important defenders.
His pace, physical strength and ability to defend large spaces fit the profile Alonso wants for Chelsea’s back line.
The 26-year-old also enhanced his reputation during France’s World Cup campaign, adding international experience to his established Premier League record.
As Read Chelsea previously examined, Lacroix has been high on Chelsea’s defensive shortlist because he could immediately compete for a starting position.
Chelsea may also need to replace Trevoh Chalobah, who is attracting interest from Como and Crystal Palace.
No fee has been agreed for Lacroix and negotiations are not yet advanced. Chelsea must decide whether to meet Palace’s demands or move towards another centre-back target.
Palace’s contract position ensures they can resist pressure, while Chelsea will want to avoid allowing another defensive pursuit to drag through pre-season.
