Chelsea receive honest verdict on Maxence Lacroix pursuit as Xabi Alonso targets defensive reinforcement

Chelsea have been encouraged to complete a move for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix this summer, although club legend Marcel Desailly believes signing the French centre-back alone will not fully solve the Blues’ defensive concerns.

The west London club are actively exploring a deal for the 26-year-old as Xabi Alonso continues shaping his squad ahead of the new season. Following the recent arrival of Marco Palestra, Lacroix has emerged as one of Chelsea’s leading defensive targets, with the club eager to strengthen a backline that lacked consistency at times last season.

Lacroix, who remains under contract with Crystal Palace until June 2029, has been on Chelsea’s radar for several months. The Blues made an official enquiry over the defender last week and discussions between the two clubs are ongoing.

The French international is understood to be open to the move across London, but negotiations have yet to produce an agreement on a transfer fee. Despite reports linking Chelsea with an imminent offer, sources at Stamford Bridge maintain that no formal bid has been submitted at this stage.

While Desailly believes Lacroix possesses the quality to improve Chelsea’s defence, he has also urged the club to recruit a proven leader with significant experience to guide the team’s younger defenders. In his view, adding leadership and composure at the heart of the defence could prove just as important as bringing in fresh talent as Alonso prepares Chelsea for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.