Chelsea FC boss Xabi Alonso has revealed that he wants between four and five centre-backs in his squad this season. The Blues currently have a plethora of options in central defence, and this week added Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a transfer worth £52million.
What happened?
Chelsea FC are actively looking to facilitate the summer exits of Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile, while Mamadou Sarr is also expected to leave on loan. This would leave the club with Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Aaron Anselmino as Alonso’s centre-back options heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Why it matters for Chelsea FC
The transfer window is still open, and Chelsea FC are looking to strengthen their squad. With several players expected to leave, Alonso is keen to bring in new talent to bolster his centre-back options.
What comes next?
The Blues are expected to continue their transfer activity in the coming weeks, with several targets reportedly on their radar. With the new season just around the corner, Chelsea FC will be looking to make a strong start and challenge for a top-four finish.
As of 31 July 2026, Chelsea FC are 10th in the Premier League, with 52 points from 38 games. They have scored 58 goals and conceded 52, with a goal difference of +6. They are 33 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race.
Lacroix is considered a ready-made signing for Chelsea FC, who have been keen to add Premier League-proven experience to their squad this summer. The 26-year-old stepped up in a leadership capacity at Selhurst Park following the departure of Palace captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January, and helped guide the Eagles to Conference League glory under Oliver Glasner.
A French international with 70 Premier League appearances under his belt and a spotless injury record, Lacroix is expected to make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge. Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso knows Lacroix, who played for Wolfsburg before moving to Palace in 2024, from their time in the Bundesliga and expects the centre-back to be an important player for Chelsea FC, both now and in the future.
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“I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga, but I think that his progression and his adaptation in the Premier League has been fantastic,” Alonso said. “Not just on the pitch as well, in terms of personality, leadership, he has these attributes. A very reliable player that will give us power in the defensive line, that has this assurance to have a direct impact on the team, I'm sure. So it's a great signing for now and for the future.”
Alonso added: “He has a strong personality. He's mature, he wants to win, he has a winner mentality. And as well, he loves to defend and that's something I like as well.”
What's next for Chelsea FC?
With the transfer window still open, Chelsea FC will be looking to continue their transfer activity in the coming weeks. With several targets reportedly on their radar, the Blues will be looking to make a strong start to the new season and challenge for a top-four finish.
As of 31 July 2026, Chelsea FC are 10th in the Premier League, with 52 points from 38 games. They have scored 58 goals and conceded 52, with a goal difference of +6. They are 33 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race.
