Premier League star to undergo Chelsea medical today ahead of £52m move

According to a report by Metro Sport on Friday, July 24, 2026, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, with the French centre-back set to undergo his medical examination today before completing a £52 million move to Stamford Bridge.

The transfer is expected to be one of Chelsea’s biggest defensive additions of the summer as new manager Xabi Alonso continues reshaping his squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. Negotiations between both clubs have advanced rapidly over the past few days, leaving only the completion of the medical and final paperwork before the deal is officially confirmed.

Lacroix had already made it clear that he wanted a fresh challenge after the conclusion of last season, and Chelsea quickly emerged as the favourites to secure his signature. Once the medical is successfully completed, the Blues are expected to announce him as their newest signing.

The 26-year-old is likely to compete for a starting place alongside Levi Colwill in central defence. His arrival will also increase competition within Chelsea’s backline, with the futures of Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr likely to come under fresh scrutiny during the remainder of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are reportedly pushing ahead with plans to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. Although the proposed transfer is separate from the Lacroix agreement, Palace see the French international as a suitable replacement once Lacroix departs for west London.

Disasi has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Chelsea over the past 18 months and spent loan spells with Aston Villa and West Ham United after falling down the pecking order. Despite his limited playing time, he remains under contract with the Blues for another three years.

Chelsea have also been busy elsewhere in the market after completing the club-record signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The Blues are also maintaining their interest in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott despite seeing an initial £64 million bid rejected, with talks expected to continue in the coming weeks.