- Maxence Lacroix is reportedly close to joining Chelsea from Crystal Palace, with the clubs nearing an agreement for the France international defender.
- Lacroix, who won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace and made 55 appearances last season, has been Chelsea's primary defensive target this summer.
- Chelsea are seeking to bolster their back line with experienced players following a 10th-place finish last season and a shift in recruitment policy away from young, inexperienced talent.
- This transfer would mark Chelsea's fifth signing of the window, having already secured Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda.
- The club flew to Australia for their pre-season tour, though Lacroix is expected to be given time off after his involvement with the France squad in the World Cup semi-finals.
