Crystal Palace are reportedly in discussions to secure Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan. This comes as Palace prepares for Maxence Lacroix to potentially transfer to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are actively pursuing Lacroix, with negotiations progressing.
Lacroix has been a primary target for Chelsea in central defence throughout the summer. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed in principle with the France international’s representatives. Lacroix is said to be keen on the move across London, viewing Chelsea as a significant step in his career after his time at Selhurst Park.
Transfer Negotiations Underway
Sources close to Crystal Palace indicate that discussions between the clubs are reaching a crucial stage regarding Lacroix. While Palace has previously rejected offers from Chelsea, the London club is reportedly nearing Palace’s valuation, which is around £55 million. Both clubs are continuing negotiations to reach a final agreement, with growing confidence that a deal can be completed.
Chelsea’s interest in Lacroix intensified over the past month, and negotiations have advanced rapidly. Lacroix recently returned from France’s World Cup campaign in North America, where he made three appearances.
As Chelsea pursues Lacroix, Crystal Palace is assessing potential replacements. Disasi, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham, is among the candidates identified by Palace. Active negotiations are reportedly underway for a deal involving Disasi.
Disasi has not joined pre-season training under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, as the club seeks to arrange a move for the 28-year-old. West Ham has also shown interest in Disasi, who made a positive impression during his loan spell at the London Stadium. However, Disasi is reportedly not keen on playing in the Championship.
Chelsea’s Defensive Reinforcements
Chelsea’s hierarchy is focused on strengthening its squad, particularly in central defence, after the team conceded 52 goals in the Premier League last season. Lacroix is seen as a key part of Alonso’s long-term defensive strategy to build a squad capable of competing for Champions League honours.
The potential arrival of Lacroix at Stamford Bridge could also accelerate other departures. Players such as Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Disasi, and Tosin Adarabioyo are reportedly available if suitable offers are received. Chalobah is understood to be nearing a move to Serie A side Como, while Badiashile has attracted enquiries from Napoli.
Disasi has not played for Chelsea since January 2025, when he appeared as a substitute in a 3-1 victory over Wolves. He subsequently had loan spells at Aston Villa and West Ham. Despite being considered surplus to requirements at Chelsea for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign, Disasi has three years remaining on his current contract in west London.
Crystal Palace is embarking on a new era under manager Pierre Sage, who succeeded Oliver Glasner after his contract expired in June. Palace are reportedly standing firm on their £55 million asking price for Lacroix, a player who has contributed to their successes, including winning the FA Cup, the Europa Conference League, and the Community Shield over a two-year period at Selhurst Park.
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Source: standard.co.uk
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
