Lacroix’s Time at Selhurst Park Nears End

Crystal Palace face a battle to keep Maxence Lacroix beyond this season. The French defender, 24, is being tracked by Arsenal and Chelsea after refusing to sign a new contract.

According to RMC Sport, Lacroix has informed Palace he wants to leave in the summer transfer window. The Eagles could demand upwards of £50m for the centre-back, who cost them £18m from Wolfsburg in 2022.

Why Lacroix Has Become a Priority Target

Lacroix has been a standout performer in Palace’s backline under Roy Hodgson. He ranks in the top 10% of Premier League centre-backs for interceptions (2.1 per game) and blocks (1.8 per game) this season. His pace and composure on the ball make him a rare commodity.

Arsenal need a long-term partner for Gabriel. Lacroix’s left-footedness and ability to pass into midfield fit Mikel Arteta’s build-up demands. Chelsea’s injury record at centre-back means they crave reliability. Lacroix has missed only three league games since arriving in England.

Transfer Context and Tactical Fit

A £50m fee would represent a 178% profit for Palace. Similar Premier League centre-back transfers in the last three years include Josko Gvardiol (Leipzig to Man City, £77m), Wesley Fofana (Leicester to Chelsea, £70m), and Marc Guehi (Chelsea to Palace, £18m). Lacroix would be the cheapest of that trio.

Tactically, Lacroix excels in high defensive lines — a hallmark of both Arteta’s Arsenal and Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea. In 2023/24, Palace conceded 0.9 goals per game with Lacroix on the pitch versus 1.5 without him. His recovery speed would let Arsenal push their full-backs higher.

Impact on FPL and Title Race

For FPL managers, Lacroix is currently priced at £4.5m and owned by 3.8%. Palace’s upcoming fixtures (vs. Burnley, vs. Sheffield Utd) offer clean-sheet potential. A move to Arsenal would spike his price and ownership — Arsenal have the third-best defence in the league.

If Arsenal sign Lacroix, they could leapfrog Liverpool and Manchester City in the expected goals (xG) conceded table. Chelsea, meanwhile, need him to stabilise a defence that has conceded 46 goals — the most in the top half.

What Happens Next

Palace will demand a bidding war. Arsenal’s willingness to trigger an early release clause — if one exists — could fast-track a deal. Chelsea’s financial fair play constraints mean they may offer a loan-plus-obligation structure. Either way, Lacroix’s departure leaves a hole in Palace’s defence that will require reinvestment before the window closes.

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