Crystal Palace in talks for Axel Disasi as Chelsea pursue Maxence Lacroix

By Lewis Hartnell · Senior Football Correspondent · 23.07.2026

By Lewis Hartnell — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Crystal Palace are reportedly in active negotiations for Axel Disasi, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham. Disasi is considered one of several potential replacements for Maxence Lacroix, as Chelsea are making progress in their pursuit of the Crystal Palace defender.

Disasi has not participated in pre-season training under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, as the club seeks to facilitate a move for the 28-year-old. While West Ham has also shown interest in Disasi, who made an impression during his time at the London Stadium, it is understood that he is not keen on playing in the Championship.

Lacroix’s Potential Move to Chelsea

Chelsea are nearing a deal for Maxence Lacroix, with personal terms reportedly agreed in principle with the 26-year-old France international’s representatives. Lacroix is said to be keen on the transfer across London, viewing Chelsea as a significant step in his career following his performance at Selhurst Park.

Sources close to Crystal Palace have indicated that negotiations between the clubs are reaching a critical stage. Although Palace previously rejected offers from Chelsea, the Blues are now reportedly nearing Palace’s valuation, which is around £55million. Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing with the aim of reaching a final agreement, and there is growing confidence that the deal will be completed.

Lacroix is seen as a key component of Xabi Alonso’s long-term defensive strategy, as Chelsea continues to build a squad intended to contend for Champions League honours. The defender’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could also accelerate other departures.

Squad Changes and Further Targets

The potential transfer of Lacroix could lead to further player movements. Trevoh Chalobah is reportedly close to a move to Serie A side Como. Additionally, Benoit Badiashile, who has attracted enquiries from Napoli, Axel Disasi, and Tosin Adarabioyo are all understood to be available if suitable offers are received.

Chelsea’s recruitment efforts extend beyond central defence. The club has already signed Marco Palestra, an Italian full-back, and is looking to bring in a new left-back following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid. Chelsea had previously warned Rayo Vallecano that they would withdraw from negotiations for Pep Chavarria if demands continued to increase, and reports now confirm that the Blues are preparing to do so.

Instead, Chelsea has made new enquiries regarding alternative targets, including Alvaro Carreras from Real Madrid and Fenerbahce defender Archie Brown. The London club is also monitoring Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. However, Hall’s priority is reportedly a move to Manchester United should he leave St James’ Park this summer, which could complicate a deal for Chelsea.

With Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix being central to Chelsea’s current transfer activity, Xabi Alonso’s squad is taking shape ahead of the new season, with more additions anticipated before the transfer window closes.

Crystal Palace, under new manager Pierre Sage, who succeeded Oliver Glasner in June, is in a strong negotiating position regarding Lacroix, as the defender still has three years remaining on his contract.

Source: standard.co.uk

Lewis Hartnell

Senior Football Correspondent

As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”