Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as they assess defensive options ahead of the new season.According to the Daily Mail, the Blues are among the clubs tracking the 26-year-old, who has become one of Palace’s most important defensive players.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYArsenal and Real Madrid have also been linked with interest, which could make this a very competitive race if Palace decide to listen to offers.Chelsea’s interest is easy to understand. They need defenders who are quick, aggressive and comfortable defending in space, and Lacroix fits that profile well.Crystal Palace in strong positionCrystal Palace are not under major pressure to sell. Lacroix joined the club from Wolfsburg in 2024 and is under contract until 2029, according to Transfermarkt.That gives Palace strong control in any negotiation.Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustHe also played a key role in Palace’s historic European run last season. The club won the UEFA Conference League under Oliver Glasner, and Lacroix was one of their most reliable performers across the campaign.Palace’s official website highlighted that he had played more minutes than any other outfield player in their European journey before the final.More Stories / Latest NewsChelsea look towards London rivals for defensive solution under Xabi AlonsoJun 16 2026, 12:26Chelsea step up search for new left-sided defender after Marc Cucurella exitJun 16 2026, 12:17Just in: £50m left-wing option eyed by Man United after impressive goal in the World CupJun 16 2026, 10:51Chelsea target is currently with France at the World CupLacroix is also with France at the World Cup, which adds another layer to the story. A strong tournament could increase his price and attract even more attention.For Chelsea, this is a deal worth watching, but not an easy one.Palace have a long contract, European football momentum and a new manager in Pierre Sage, whose appointment was confirmed by The Guardian.If Chelsea want Lacroix, they may have to move quickly and pay heavily.Chelsea step up search for new left-sided defender after Marc Cucurella exitThe post Chelsea look towards London rivals for defensive solution under Xabi Alonso appeared first on CaughtOffside.