{"id":15325,"date":"2026-07-08T08:56:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:56:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15325"},"modified":"2026-07-08T08:56:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:56:27","slug":"chelsea-have-french-and-spanish-centre-back-on-their-radar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15325","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea have French and Spanish centre-back on their radar"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea\u2019s summer business is beginning to look more focused, and the defence now appears to be a major part of the club\u2019s transfer thinking.
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After a season where injuries, inconsistent partnerships and squad uncertainty caused problems at the back, the Blues seem ready to add another centre-back who can either improve the team immediately or develop into a long-term option.<\/p>\n

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The main update comes from The Athletic, who have reported that Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is a primary defensive target for Chelsea, while Como\u2019s Jacobo Ramon is also admired.<\/p>\n

That interest makes sense because Chelsea need defenders who are comfortable defending space, quick enough to play in a higher line, and strong enough to handle Premier League forwards.<\/p>\n

Chelsea look for more pace and power in defence<\/h2>\n

Lacroix looks like the more ready-made option.<\/p>\n

Crystal Palace confirmed in 2024 that he joined from Wolfsburg on a five-year deal, and he has since built up valuable Premier League experience.<\/p>\n

talkSPORT has also reported that Chelsea are pursuing the French defender and could include players such as Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashile in a possible swap deal.<\/p>\n

That could be important because Palace are unlikely to sell cheaply.<\/p>\n

The Sun has also claimed Chelsea are considering offering players as part of a deal, although formal talks had not started at the time of its report.<\/p>\n

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Blues are looking for a younger, long term player<\/h2>\n

Ramon would be a very different signing. The Spanish centre-back is younger and less proven in English football, but he has an interesting profile.<\/p>\n

Yahoo Sports reported that Chelsea have shown interest in the Como defender, who is partly owned by Real Madrid after his move from Spain.<\/p>\n

Chelsea should prioritise the Premier League-ready option if they want an immediate defensive upgrade.<\/p>\n

The squad already has plenty of young players who need time, so adding another project defender may not solve the short-term issue.<\/p>\n

That said, the price has to be sensible. If Palace demand a huge fee, Chelsea should explore a swap deal rather than overpaying.<\/p>\n

Overall, this is a smart area to target because a stronger, quicker and more settled defence could make a bigger difference than another attacking signing.<\/p>\n

Sources: Free agent striker becomes top Chelsea priority to replace Liam Delap<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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