Chelsea has secured the signing of centre-back Maxence Lacroix from fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace. The France international has committed to a contract running until the conclusion of the 2031-32 season. Lacroix expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea, citing the club's tradition of winning and the shared ambition with the manager to lift trophies.

Chelsea described Lacroix as "one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier League." He becomes Chelsea's sixth signing of the summer, joining other new recruits. Lacroix previously won the FA Cup with Palace in 2025 and the Conference League, making 55 appearances in the 2025-26 season.

His arrival comes after a disappointing 10th-place finish last season, prompting a shift in Chelsea's recruitment strategy towards more experienced players. The club is also reportedly close to signing Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.