Chelsea Transfer News Today: Two signings done as 'huge' bid prepared

Updated: 26 Jun 2026 16:12 BST | 4 min read

Maxence Lacroix, Chelsea Transfer News Today — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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All the latest Chelsea transfer news in one place, including updates on Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Enzo Fernandez.

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Lacroix to join

Chelsea are set to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix after the World Cup, L'Equipe reports.

The France international has decided to leave Selhurst Park, and Chelsea are the clear favourites to wrap up a €55 million deal. Agreeing personal terms with the 26-year-old won't be an issue.

Having missed out on Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham, Chelsea have made Lacroix their top target in their search for a new aerially-dominant centre-back to partner Levi Colwill.

Long-term Palestra interest revealed

Chelsea had followed Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra for over a year before signing him, according to Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi.

The 21-year-old underwent his medical in London on Thursday and will be signed for a fee in the region of €50m after Chelsea managed to beat Inter to his signature.

Palestra spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where he was frequently scouted by Chelsea. “Chelsea and Manchester City had been following him for a year," Angelozzi said.

"They were present both at home and away matches and contacted me frequently for information on the boy. They mostly asked me about how he was off the pitch. He's an exceptional guy, intelligent, polite and very serious."

Fernandez bid incoming

Real Madrid will make their first formal bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez shortly, as per Nicolo Schira.

Los Blancos have already reached an agreement with the Argentina international on personal terms and are now set to make what Schira previously described as a "huge" offer for him.

Fernandez is desperate to move to Los Blancos following Chelsea's failure to qualify for Europe. Former teammate Marc Cucurella said earlier this week that he "hopes" Real Madrid complete a deal for the midfielder.

Schjelderup snubs Chelsea

Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup has turned down a summer transfer to Chelsea, Record understands.

The Norway international has attracted the attention of the Blues and various other suitors as Benfica are said to be willing to accept a fairly reasonable fee of just €40m for him.

Chelsea made contact with his camp and held talks with Schjelderup, but the 22-year-old has informed the club that he wants to join a Champions League team this summer.

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