Chelsea endured a disappointing 2025-26 season as they finished 10th in the Premier League and missed out on European football.
Despite reaching the FA Cup final, their poor league campaign eventually led to another managerial change at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso this summer, and the former Real Madrid manager has started reshaping his squad ahead of next season.
The Blues have already agreed a £117 million deal with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers, with a medical scheduled for Monday.
Also, Chelsea have added Marco Palestra from Atalanta. Meanwhile, Geovany Quenda had already been lined up before the transfer window opened.
However, Chelsea have also sanctioned several departures while making major changes to their squad during the summer window.
Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid, while Andrey Santos completed a move to Manchester United for £50 million.
Now, the Blues have turned their attention towards strengthening their defensive options with another Premier League signing.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea have held formal talks with Crystal Palace over signing Maxence Lacroix. Palace value him at £55 million.
Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish is determined to drive a hard bargain as Chelsea make their first move for the defender.
The Eagles are using Jan Paul van Hecke’s recent £52 million move from Brighton to Tottenham as a yardstick.
However, Chelsea have already shown a willingness to include fringe players in a potential deal to sign Lacroix.
He has spent the summer with France at the World Cup and first featured in their 4-1 victory over Norway.
He also came off the bench against Spain in the semi-final before starting the bronze medal match against England.
The Frenchman has made 98 appearances across two seasons for Crystal Palace since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in 2024.
Now, Chelsea have taken the first major step towards another summer signing by opening formal talks with their Premier League rivals.
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