Negotiations Are At A ‘Crucial Stage’ As Chelsea Close On Next Transfer After Rogers

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Chelsea are “edging towards” agreeing a transfer fee with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix, according to reports.

TEAMtalk claim that negotiations are now at a “crucial stage”, with the Blues getting closer to matching Palace’s £55m asking price.

It is believed that personal terms with Lacroix have already been agreed ahead of the defender’s move to Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old will return from the World Cup in the next few days, having played the full 90 minutes of the 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff on Saturday evening.

Lacroix’s arrival could lead to FOUR centre-backs leaving

Manager Xabi Alonso is not short of options in the centre of defence, with the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi all currently part of the first-team squad.

However, the latter four are all available for transfer, with Chalobah said to be the closest to leaving the Blues. Como are pushing hard to secure the England international’s services.

Lacroix would likely partner Colwill AND Fofana in a back three if Alonso opts for the system that brought him so much success at Bayer Leverkusen.

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Chelsea are set to secure their 6th summer addition

It was revealed on Saturday that the Blues have agreed a deal to sign Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Alonso’s side will pay a club record £117m for the attacking midfielder.

Rogers has been a long-term target, having been identified by co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields, who had worked with the player during their time together at Manchester City.

Alonso is believed to have played a crucial role in persuading Rogers, who seemed poised to join London rivals Arsenal. He will be the sixth summer signing after Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha. Lacroix’s arrival would add a seventh new member to the first-team squad.