Chelsea have agreed a deal worth €35m for France international Maxence Lacroix, with the centre-back set to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge after the two clubs reached an agreement.
Lacroix has been instrumental in Crystal Palace's recent success, helping the Eagles win the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Europa Conference League in his debut season. The 26-year-old has also contributed to France's World Cup semi-final finish this summer, earning seven senior caps since his international debut earlier this year.
The fee involved in the deal is significantly lower than the £55m Crystal Palace were seeking for the France international. Chelsea have offered to include Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, or former loanee Trevoh Chalobah as part of the package, but Palace have opted to pursue alternative defensive targets.
The South Londoners are now focused on signing Chrislain Matsima from Augsburg, with negotiations ongoing. Lyon defender Ruben Kluivert and Toulouse's Charlie Cresswell are also options being considered by Palace.
Lacroix's departure comes on the heels of Crystal Palace's loss of Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January. The Eagles are looking to rebuild their defensive unit, with a number of high-profile departures in recent transfer windows.
Chelsea's signing of Lacroix would represent a significant coup for the club, bolstering their defensive options ahead of the new season. The French centre-back's experience and talent would make him a valuable addition to the Blues' squad.
The deal is now awaiting the completion of Lacroix's medical, with the centre-back set to seal his move to Chelsea in the coming days.
Source: Yahoo Sports