Chelsea face paying up to €65m if they are to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix this summer, with the Premier League club reportedly increasing their asking price amid growing interest from rival clubs.
The Blues have identified the French centre-back as one of their priority defensive targets, but negotiations have yet to gather momentum. Reports suggest there has been little progress in discussions despite Chelsea’s continued efforts to secure a deal.
Palace are understood to have raised their valuation from around €55m to between €65m and €70m, reflecting both the player’s importance to the club and the level of interest from elsewhere.
Palace prepared to hold firm
Crystal Palace are reportedly in no rush to sell and believe their position will strengthen if more clubs enter the race.
The south London club are said to be open to allowing the market to dictate Lacroix’s value, with several leading European clubs continuing to monitor the defender’s situation.
Chelsea remain keen on completing the transfer, but Palace are expected to stand firm unless their valuation is met.
Arsenal among clubs monitoring defender
Chelsea’s pursuit could become more complicated with Arsenal also keeping a close eye on Lacroix.
The Gunners are reportedly assessing defensive options following William Saliba’s injury, with Lacroix emerging as one of the players under consideration.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the 26-year-old, raising the possibility of increased competition should Chelsea fail to make significant progress.
Chelsea still leading the race
Despite the growing interest, Chelsea are believed to remain the favourites to sign Lacroix.
However, Palace’s increased asking price and the prospect of a bidding war mean the deal is far from straightforward.
Chelsea will now have to decide whether to meet Palace’s demands or explore alternative defensive targets before the transfer window closes.