Chelsea plan £35m swap deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea are preparing a £35m player-plus-cash bid involving Tosin Adarabioyo to sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix this summer.
The Blues are actively planning for a new era under incoming manager Xabi Alonso following a challenging Premier League campaign.
Interim boss Calum McFarlane currently has the side sitting eighth, with Europa League qualification remaining a possibility heading into the final weekend.
Search for ready-made experience
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy recognise an urgent need for immediate first-team reinforcements to complement their recent strategy of acquiring youth.
According to recent reports, the West London club intend to use Tosin as a makeweight to test Palace’s resolve.
The French centre-back is understood to be open to the switch in hopes of elevating his profile for the national team.
Oliver Glasner has been vocal about his admiration for the player’s recent performances.
He has been outstanding.
Eagles hold strong negotiating position
The former Wolfsburg man has thrived with added responsibility at Selhurst Park since Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City.
It remains to be seen whether a part-exchange offer will persuade the south Londoners to lower their £52m valuation.
The Eagles boast a strong hand at the negotiating table with the commanding centre-half firmly contracted until 2029.
Having initially secured the defender for just under £16m, accepting the proposed package would still represent a significant financial profit.