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According to reports, Chelsea have now entered \u2018advanced talks\u2019 over signing Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix, who is also linked with Arsenal.<\/p>\n
Over the weekend, the Blues<\/strong> made a huge statement in the transfer market, having struck a deal with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers for around \u00a3117m.<\/strong><\/p>\n This could be the biggest transfer of this summer\u2019s window, but Chelsea are not stopping there, with Lacroix looking likely to be their next arrival.<\/p>\n Lacroix featured for France at the World Cup after shining for Crystal Palace during the 2025\/26 campaign, and it has been widely reported in recent weeks that he wants a move this summer.<\/p>\n Chelsea, who desperately need to improve their centre-back options, have been heavily linked with Lacroix, and reports on Tuesday morning suggest he could be Stamford Bridge-bound.<\/p>\n READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Chelsea, Spurs discuss swap deal, Arsenal eye World Cup winner Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips has revealed on his Substack<\/em> that the Blues are in \u2018advanced talks\u2019 over signing Lacroix, and this deal is now \u2018expected to accelerate\u2019.<\/p>\n Phillips stated: \u2018Chelsea are not just in talks to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace despite some trying to say they\u2019re not, but they are in advanced talks to sign Lacroix from Palace.<\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s the top centre back target for Chelsea and for Xabi Alonso, and the deal is expected to accelerate now very soon.\u2019<\/p>\n And in his latest YouTube video, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Blues are pushing ahead with a move for Lacroix, while a hijack from Arsenal currently seems unlikely.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Arsenal reach decision on hijacking \u00a355m Chelsea transfer after Morgan Rogers signs Romano explained: \u201cWe have to mention Maxence Lacroix because Chelsea remain in absolutely active and concrete talks with Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n \u201cAll parties involved are speaking, including the ownership groups and the player\u2019s representatives.<\/p>\n \u201cI am told that reports over the weekend suggesting Arsenal were getting involved are not true at this stage. If Arsenal do enter the race, I will let you know. But at the moment, the player is fully focused on Chelsea. He is open to joining Chelsea and is keen on the move.<\/p>\n \u201cThe deal is now in the hands of Chelsea and Crystal Palace as they negotiate the transfer fee and the final price. Maxence Lacroix is a key target for Chelsea, and discussions are continuing as both clubs try to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Chelsea are working hard on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n READ NEXT: Merson claims Chelsea don\u2019t need \u2018atrocious\u2019 Rogers for \u00a3117m as Cole predicts exit <\/div>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nFabrizio Romano comments on the likelihood of Arsenal hijacking Chelsea for Maxence Lacroix<\/h2>\n
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