Chelsea are on the move this summer, with BlueCo looking to back popular new manager Xabi Alonso.
One of their latest deals nearing completion is for Atalanta youngster Marco Palestra.
The world-class Italian defender has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, with Chelsea said to have reached an agreement with Atalanta.
Palestra have built a solid reputation in Italy after progressing through the Serie A club’s academy system, and the 20-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest defenders in Italian football.
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His versatility has also made him an attractive target for Chelsea’s recruitment drive.
Palestra can operate as a right-back, wing-back or forward on the right, and the Italian impressed on loan at Cagliari last season.
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However, the Italian is not expected to be the last addition to the defense this summer.
Attention has once again turned to Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
The French defender enjoyed his first two seasons at Selhurst Park after arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024, and his performances quickly established him as one of Palace’s most important defenders.
Lacroix’s form has attracted the attention of other places in the Premier League, including Arsenal and Real Madrid, but it now looks like both will be beaten by Alonso’s side.
Chelsea will sign Maxence Lacroix after the World Cup
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea will now complete the deal with Lacroix after the Club World Cup.
The report says that the action is expected to be completed after the end of his participation in the tournament, after Lacroix proved to be one of the best players in defense.
The news follows reports that Chelsea have recently opened talks over a deal for the 26-year-old, with French expectations that Lacroix’s move to Stamford Bridge is inevitable.
Why Chelsea want to sign Maxence Lacroix despite a list of defenders
Chelsea already have plenty of centre-backs in their first team squad.
Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo all provide options in central defense.
However, reports have suggested that the club are still keen to strengthen that area again, and new coach Alonso is believed to be looking for more competition for places in that area.
The Spaniard also liked the back-three system during training.
That tactical approach puts more emphasis on having few high-quality central defenders available.
Lacroix’s experience playing in the back four and at the back will appeal to Chelsea’s recruiting staff, not to mention his pace and ability to defend in wide areas.
The arrival of another defender will increase the competition throughout the squad as the club prepares for a tough campaign.
How much will Chelsea pay to sign Maxence Lacroix
Crystal Palace are expected to receive significant cash if the move goes ahead.
L’Equipe suggested the deal could be worth around £47 million, and that would represent a huge return on the £18m investment Palace made in signing Lacroix from Wolfsburg.
For Chelsea, it would mark another major addition during an exciting summer rebuild.
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