Caught Offside reports that Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace could be a potential target. Chelsea are also pursuing him, and it is suggested that Palace wants to create a bidding war, with the defender's price rising to €65-70 million (£55.3-59.5m). The report also states that Manchester United should be watched.

Manchester United are listed among the clubs to monitor regarding Maxence Lacroix. Crystal Palace is aware of other clubs' interest and may prefer a situation with competing offers for Lacroix.

Maxence Lacroix is a 26-year-old Centre-Back who has been at Crystal Palace for two years. It is reported that he is expected to play his final home game for the club against Arsenal before a potential summer transfer. The France international has two caps for his country and could depart Selhurst Park. His contract does not expire until 2029, but Crystal Palace will demand a fee of more than €40 million for the defender. It is anticipated he will join one of Europe's biggest clubs. It is claimed that Lacroix is likely to remain in the Premier League and wants to join a team that competes in the Champions League. This narrows his options to clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and possibly Bournemouth. It is also understood that Chelsea have identified Lacroix as a top centre-back target, along with Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke. Chelsea's inability to offer Champions League football could be an obstacle to their pursuit. If he leaves, his final match for the club could be the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. The player's current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €40.00m. Reports from May 2026 suggest Chelsea might need to pay approximately €60 million. In March 2026, it was reported that the asking price was £60 million. Crystal Palace signed Lacroix from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2024 for a fee of €18 million.