'Ready to write Chelsea story' - Maxence Lacroix makes £52m move

Chelsea have signed France's World Cup defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52m.

The 26-year-old, capped seven times by France, has penned a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032.

The Frenchman joined Palace from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2024 for an initial £15.5m and became a regular under Oliver Glasner last season.

Lacroix made 55 appearances in all competitions as Palace won the Uefa Conference League, the club's first major European trophy.

The defender made three appearances for France during the 2026 World Cup, including against England in the third-place play-off, as Les Bleus finished fourth.

"I think when I saw the players like Reece [James], like Morgan [Rogers], I'm just really happy to be also in a way in their story, you know? To write part of the Chelsea story with them," Lacroix said.

"I'm really proud, really happy, to be part of this beautiful project and I just want to start playing.

"I'm really excited to see the guys, to see the manager, to start the season, because I feel like we have a story to write here, and I can be part of it, so it's beautiful."

Lacroix is Chelsea's third signing of the summer transfer window, joining Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra in moving to west London, as the club prepares for its first season under new boss Xabi Alonso.

Deals for winger Geovany Quenda and forward Emmanuel Emegha were agreed in 2025, with both players formally completing moves this month.

The Blues are also currently in talks to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.