Chelsea have taken their seek for a brand new centre-back to a extra critical stage, opening talks with Crystal Palace for a defender who has already proven he can address the pace and bodily calls for of the Premier League.
The Blues are in search of extra pace, aggression and reliability within the coronary heart of their defence, and Arsenal’s presence on the again raises the potential for one other switch battle in London.
This case is unlikely to be resolved simply.
Palace seem like in a greater place in negotiations and decided to make use of latest Premier League defender charges as a benchmark, with Chelsea having to determine whether or not this can be a most well-liked deal or one other deal that can require endurance.
Chelsea talks start as Palace set agency valuation
Chelsea are presently in formal negotiations with Crystal Palace over Maxence Lacroix, in accordance with journalist Ben Jacobs.
Arsenal additionally fee the France worldwide extremely, however the Gunners are usually not but on the similar stage.
Palace worth the centre-back at greater than £55m. The Occasions additionally experiences that Chelsea would want to pay greater than £55m to signal Lacroix, and with the defender nonetheless having three years left on his contract, there may be little strain on Palace to promote him.
This worth displays each LaCroix’s significance and the present market.
His restoration pace, Premier League expertise and skill to defend broad areas are notably priceless qualities for a staff anticipated to make use of a excessive defensive position.
Curiosity in Arsenal places additional strain on sluggish negotiations
Palace are reportedly eyeing a transfer for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton to Tottenham.
Sky Sports activities have confirmed that Spurs paid £52m for the Dutch centre-back regardless of having only one 12 months left on his Brighton contract. Lacroix’s long-term deal will enable Palace to justify a requirement of greater than £55m.
Chelsea want to maneuver ahead however keep away from paying the worth of panic.
Lacroix seems to suit effectively with the staff’s want for a fast, aggressive and bodily centre-back, however formal negotiations recommend he’s thought-about extra than simply one other identify on a brief checklist.
Arsenal’s reward makes the state of affairs extra pressing, however Chelsea shouldn’t be pressured into an pointless bidding warfare.
A structured bundle near Palace’s valuation may symbolize sensible enterprise, however Chelsea will have to be ready to stroll away if the ultimate worth will increase considerably past £55m.
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