Chelsea can start to get excited about the future after appointing Xabi Alonso on a four-year deal, and defensive target Maxence Lacroix ticks all of the boxes.
Alonso will be looking to strengthen multiple positions in his squad, but defence is arguably the most important as he aims to field a rock solid back three next season.
Levi Colwill is nailed on to be a key player for Chelsea under the Spaniard, while the other two spots are likely to be up for grabs, unless he thinks Trevoh Chalobah can step up in his system as a right centre-back.
Nonetheless, Alonso has full control over transfers after being named as a manager rather than a head coach, and Crystal Palace star Lacroix is someone who ticks all of the boxes.
Chelsea pushing to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace
According to TEAMtalk, Palace are looking to give Lacroix a new contract to fend off interest from multiple top clubs, and one of those is Chelsea.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League's elite defenders since joining from Wolfsburg in 2024, with the Eagles valuing him at around £50 million.
Chelsea were linked with the Frenchman in April, and the report suggested that Lacroix wouldn't turn down a move to Stamford Bridge if the opportunity arose. Now that Alonso has been placed in charge on a four-year contract, the defender's motivation to join a bigger club and challenge for titles is arguably greater.
That could work in Alonso's favour this summer, even if the Frenchman's contract doesn't expire until June 2029, with the Palace star possessing all the necessary tools to become an instant hit in the Spaniard's system.
Lacroix would be perfect for Chelsea
Chelsea's recruitment strategy is likely to change with Alonso officially joining on July 1. In recent years, the Blues have hoovered up talented wonderkids across the globe, instead of signing Premier League-ready players in their prime.
At the age of 26, Lacroix certainly has his best years ahead of him, but he's someone who could hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge after starring in England's top-flight for the past two seasons.
Standing at 6' 3", Lacroix possesses the height and ability to dominate defenders that Chelsea have missed this term. He ranks in the top 24 per cent of Premier League players for aerial duels won per 90, according to FotMob, while ranking in the top 15 per cent for defensive contributions.
The "amazing" Crystal Palace warrior also has incredible recovery pace, clocking up a top speed of 34.07km/hr, ironicially against Chelsea earlier on in the campaign. That attribute not only gives him the speed to keep up with pacey attackers, but it's the perfect trait for Alonso's high pressing system.
A physical specimen off the ball and dominant duels, Lacroix is also a calming influence in possession. He places in the top 20 per cent for accurate long balls and the top 16 per cent for successful crosses.
At a potential price of £50m, Alonso can land someone who has already flourished in the Premier League and can become even better under his tutelage.
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