Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea's next transfer is almost DONE

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Chelsea are set to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace after the two clubs agreed a deal for the France defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Transfer reporter Romano understands the Blues are set to pay €60million (£52m) for Lacroix, who is undergoing a medical in London.

Romano also claims Axel Disasi has not been included in the deal, despite The Telegraph reporting Palace are keen on the Chelsea centre-back.

BBC Sport understands Lacroix is poised to put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, reportedly running until 2032.

Should Lacroix join Chelsea as expected, he will become Xabi Alonso’s third summer signing ahead of his first season at the helm.

The west London club signed England star Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a club-record €138m (£117m) on Tuesday.

Rogers followed in the footsteps of Marco Palestra after the Italy defender joined Chelsea from Atalanta in a €55m (£47m) deal on 1 July.

Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha have also joined Chelsea on pre-existing deals negotiated before Alonso’s appointment.

Lacroix has shone for Palace over the last two seasons

Lacroix has excelled for Palace since moving to Selhurst Park from German side Wolfsburg in August 2024.

He has been a near ever-present over the last two seasons, helping the Eagles win the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League.

Lacroix’s superb performances for Palace led to him being called up for France’s 26-man squad for the World Cup this summer.

The former Sochaux man made three appearances for Les Bleus including a substitute appearance in the semi-final loss to eventual champions Spain.

Chelsea also want a midfielder after Scott bid rejected

In addition to Lacroix, widespread reports understand Chelsea are also keen to back Alonso with the signing of a new midfielder this summer.

BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that the six-time league champions have had a €75m (£64m) bid for Alex Scott rejected by Bournemouth.

Scott has developed a reputation as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League at Bournemouth.

He played a huge role in them qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League by securing an incredible sixth-place finish in 2025-26.

STATS

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 39

  Games

• 4

  Goals

• 1

  Assists

View all stats

Speculation continues to swirl regarding Scott’s future after The Athletic revealed he has turned down new contract “offers” from Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old has two years left on his current terms, with various sources suggesting the Cherries value him at around €94m (£80m).