Chelsea come up with ambitious plan to sign dream Xabi Alonso target

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea are prepared to offer Crystal Palace a host of players in order to sign Maxence Lacroix this summer, according to talkSPORT.

Widespread reports have indicated the Blues are keen to land a new centre-back ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

BBC Sport reported in June that Chelsea are ready to step up their interest in Lacroix, who is currently at the World Cup with France.

The 26-year-old has excelled for Palace since moving to Selhurst Park from German side Wolfsburg in August 2024.

Lacroix has been a near ever-present for Palace in the last two seasons, helping the club win the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League in that time.

An alternative report from French publication L’Equipe claims Palace value Lacroix at around €55million (£47.4m).

However, according to talkSPORT, Chelsea are willing to offer Palace several fringe players in an attempt to drive that price down.

The same outlet claims central defenders Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi could be put forward by Chelsea.

Chelsea keen to offload central defenders this summer

A separate report in the Daily Mail claims Chelsea are hoping to reduce the amount of centre-backs currently on their books.

Chelsea also have Levi Colwill, Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong as central defensive options.

However, the Mail understands Acheampong will not be allowed to leave, with the Stamford Bridge club viewing the 20-year-old - who can also operate as a right-back - as a centre-back heading into the new season.

The same publication claims Chelsea have rejected a €25.6m (£22m) bid from Serie A side Como for Chalobah, who is participating at the World Cup with England.

Chelsea have already backed manager Alonso with the signing of wing-back Marco Palestra, whose move from Italian outfit Atalanta was announced on Wednesday.

Palestra, who was named Serie A’s Best Defender for 2025-26 after impressing on loan at Cagliari, has moved to the six-time league champions for around €55m (£47m), according to BBC Sport.

Alonso has officially started work at Chelsea after signing a four-year contract with the club in May, replacing interim boss Calum McFarlane.

McFarlane twice stepped up to manage Chelsea’s first team last season following the sackings of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, with the club finishing 10th in the Premier League.

Alonso’s first game in charge of Chelsea will be against Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, 28 July.

And his first Premier League match will come against west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August.