Chelsea will use the summer transfer window to bolster their defence and another exciting name has emerged as an option.
The Blues haven't been anywhere near good enough in attack, but they've also been poor at the back. The side lack leaders and experienced players capable of installing a much-needed winning mentality.
It is for that reason that the club's sporting department — overseen by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart — are on the lookout for at least one new central defender.
Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi is a player of interest due to his impending free agency. The Argentine is also being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, though, so there are no guarantees he arrives at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are obviously prioritising Premier League defenders because in addition to Senesi, they've been linked with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix.
Maxence Lacroix wouldn't turn down chance to join Chelsea
Crystal Palace are preparing for an off-season of big change. This season will be Oliver Glasner's last in the Selhurst Park dugout and it seems the Austrian may not be the club's only big departure.
According to the Daily Mail, Maxence Lacroix is also open to leaving The Eagles and, keen to stay in the Premier League, would welcome the chance to join Chelsea.
Palace owner Steve Parish is a notoriously tough-to-deal-with businessman so expect any future negotiations for Lacroix, who has three years left on his £50,000-per week deal, to include a massive fee.
The 26-year-old has been outstanding since he signed from Wolfsburg two years ago. Undoubtedly one of the country's most consistent defenders, Lacroix is always the first name on Glasner's team sheet.
Lacroix confident Chelsea transfer would help him achieve next big goal
And after proving he can fill the void left by Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City in January, Lacroix's next goal is to become a regular international for France.
To date, Palace's number five has two senior international caps under his belt, but now entering his prime years, there is hope he can become even more established at the very highest level.
Joining a top six team — especially one that can qualify for the Champions League — would undoubtedly boost the defender's chances of becoming part of Didier Deschamps' plans.
This summer's 2026 World Cup in America may come too soon for Lacroix but a big money move to West London could propel him to the forefront in time for the 2028 European Championships.
Add us as a preferred source on Google