Chelsea are finalizing a deal worth roughly $69.2 million to sign Crystal Palace center-back Maxence Lacroix. The France international is scheduled to undergo a medical before signing a six-year contract that would keep him at Chelsea through 2032.

Palace is exploring potential replacements for Lacroix, including Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima, with Trabzonspor's Chibuike Nwaiwu viewed as an alternative option if a deal for Matsima cannot be reached.

The Athletic previously reported on June 23 that Lacroix was among Chelsea's primary transfer targets, with several other centre-backs also under consideration. Chelsea has also shown interest in Como defender Jacobo Ramon, who enjoyed a strong debut Serie A season under former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Lacroix was a regular fixture in Palace's lineup last season, making 55 appearances across all competitions with three goals and three assists. He played the full match in Palace's Community Shield penalty shootout win over Liverpool in August and started the club's 1-0 Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano, which delivered Palace's first European trophy.

His performances helped earn Lacroix a spot in France's 26-man World Cup squad alongside Palace teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Palace forward Michael Olise. He made three tournament appearances, including in France's third-place playoff loss to England.

Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for an $19.5 million fee with up to $3.3 million in potential add-ons. He has made 98 appearances across two seasons with the club.

Chelsea has prioritized adding a new centre-back this summer, with the futures of Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Mamadou Sarr potentially hinging on the arrival of a new defender and their willingness to accept a reduced role in the squad's pecking order.