The France international is due to undergo his medical today, ahead of putting pen to paper on a six-year contract that would keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2032, according to The Athletic.
Palace are already exploring replacement options, with Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima the frontrunner and Trabzonspor’s Chibuike Nwaiwu an alternative should that move fall through.
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Chelsea have also been credited with interest in Como defender Jacobo Ramon, who impressed in his first Serie A season under former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Lacroix was a key figure for Palace last season, making 55 appearances across all competitions with three goals and three assists, and playing the full match in both their Community Shield penalty shootout win over Liverpool and their Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano, the club’s first ever European trophy.
His form earned him a place in France’s 26-man World Cup squad alongside Palace teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Palace winger Michael Olise, making three tournament appearances, including in the third place playoff defeat to England.
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Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in August 2024 for around €18 million, with add-ons potentially taking that to €21 million. He went on to make 98 appearances across two seasons in south London.
Chelsea have been targeting defensive reinforcements this summer, with the futures of several current centre-backs, including Fofana and Chalobah, likely to hinge on Lacroix’s arrival.
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