Xabi Alonso has wasted little time making his mark at Stamford Bridge, and those close to the club say the Spaniard has been clear-eyed about what needs fixing. Chelsea’s summer is shaping up to be a busy one, with defensive reinforcement sitting near the top of the agenda.
The departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid has opened a gap in the squad, but the club’s concerns go further than simply replacing the Spaniard. Last season laid bare a number of defensive frailties, and Alonso has seen enough to know that patching them over will not do. Chelsea were repeatedly undone at set pieces, bullied by physically dominant sides and exposed by a lack of height at the back. That has to change.
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has emerged as a genuine target as Chelsea look to address those problems. The club reportedly see the Frenchman as someone who can bring physicality and experience to a back line that has too often looked lightweight when the going gets tough.
Lacroix has quietly built a strong reputation since arriving at Selhurst Park. The 26-year-old has featured in 98 matches for Palace across all competitions and was part of the side that delivered the most successful spell in the south London club’s history. The FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League all arrived during his time there, and he played no small part in those achievements.
Chelsea believe he could form a solid partnership alongside Levi Colwill, providing the kind of balance and aerial presence the defence currently lacks. On paper, it makes sense. In practice, getting the deal done is another matter.
Palace hold the cards in any negotiation. Lacroix has three years left on his contract, which means the Eagles are under no pressure whatsoever to entertain offers unless one arrives that truly reflects his worth. With his stock only rising, that figure is unlikely to be modest.
His participation with France at the World Cup this summer will only complicate matters further. International football has a habit of inflating transfer fees, and Palace will be well aware of that leverage.
Chelsea face additional headwinds. The club will not be involved in European competition next season, which limits their pull when it comes to persuading players to move. Palace, meanwhile, have secured a place in the Europa League, meaning they can offer something Chelsea simply cannot right now.
None of that means the pursuit is dead. Alonso has shown little interest in accepting a weakened squad when he believes improvements are there to be made, and Lacroix fits the profile of what Chelsea need. Whether they can navigate the obstacles standing in their way remains to be seen, but the interest is genuine and not going away quietly.
