Chelsea hold formal Lacroix talks with Palace as Arsenal jump in
Arsenal are also credited with interest in the 26-year-old centre-back, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League this summer, though the Gunners’ pursuit is understood to be less advanced than Chelsea’s. Crystal Palace, however, are in no rush to sell the Frenchman cheaply to either London club.
The south London side are said to value Lacroix at a minimum of £55m, using Tottenham’s recent signing of Jan Paul van Hecke as a reference point for what they expect the market to bear for a top defender.
Some reports in England suggest Palace’s valuation has since climbed even higher, closer to £60m, as interest in the player has intensified following his performances at the World Cup.
Lacroix joined Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the club’s defence, helping the Eagles to Conference League success and a place in France’s World Cup squad this summer.
He is under contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2029, giving Palace considerable leverage in negotiations and little incentive to accept an offer below their valuation.
Chelsea currently appear to be the club furthest along in the race for Lacroix, having already been active in reshaping their defence this summer, though Arsenal’s interest means the Blues cannot afford to take the deal for granted as the transfer window progresses.
Lacroix started for France against England in the World Cup third-place play-off, stepping in for the injured William Saliba, and impressed enough during the tournament to further enhance his reputation among Europe’s leading clubs.
Chelsea are also working to move on some of their existing centre-back options this summer, with Axel Disasi expected to leave permanently after a series of loan spells, potentially freeing up funds and space in the squad for a move of this size.
Arsenal’s interest has been driven partly by injury concerns surrounding Saliba, with Mikel Arteta keen to bring in defensive reinforcements regardless of the Chelsea race’s outcome, leaving Palace well placed to command a premium fee whichever club wins out.
