Chelsea are closing in on a second major defensive signing of the summer as new manager Xabi Alonso prepares to take charge — with talks opened for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix after a £43m deal for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra moved to the brink.
Palestra, 21, had been expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan following a successful loan at Cagliari, where he was named Serie A's best defender last season. But after 24 hours of talks, Chelsea emerged as his preferred destination, with sources in Italy claiming Inter could not match the Premier League club's offer on personal terms. The Italy international, who made his senior debut this year, is seen at Stamford Bridge as an exciting option capable of playing on either flank, both as a wing-back and conventional full-back.
“Chelsea open talks for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix as £43m Marco Palestra deal nears completion under new manager Xabi Alonso.”
Palestra is set to be the first signing of the Alonso era — the former Spain midfielder was appointed Liam Rosenior's replacement in May and formally joins on 1 July, though he has been in regular contact with the hierarchy regarding transfers. The move marks an early sign of Alonso's influence after the club sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £51.8m.
Chelsea's next priority is at centre-back, and they have now opened talks with Crystal Palace over France international Lacroix, who is away on international duty at the World Cup. The 26-year-old has three years left on his contract and has been central to Palace's FA Cup and Europa Conference League triumphs. The Eagles are braced for an offer from their London rivals and are keen to offer Lacroix a new deal, though it is unclear whether he is ready to engage in talks.
Further complicating Chelsea's defensive rebuild is interest in Trevoh Chalobah from Serie A side Como, who want to strengthen their defence rather than weaken it. The England international is open to a move to Italy. Como also have a young centre-back, Jacobo Ramon, 21, who remains linked to former club Real Madrid through various clauses — and whom Chelsea have considered as an alternative to Lacroix.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have made Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez a key target this summer, with the Blues valuing the Argentina international at £120m. Fernandez is known to be keen on the move.
More departures are expected after a turbulent season in which Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe. Fellow full-back Malo Gusto is considering his future, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the Frenchman and Manchester City expressing interest. There is further doubt over Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo, as further sales are needed to create space in defence.
Chelsea are also targeting a midfielder — likely Strasbourg's Valentin Barco, with multiple sources suggesting that deal is close — and a versatile attacker. A number of players are already scheduled to arrive in west London from deals completed last year, including £40m winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.
With Alonso set to take the reins, the defensive overhaul is only just beginning — but the futures of Chalobah, Gusto and even Fernandez may determine how much more business Chelsea can do.