Eagle set to land at Stamford Bridge: Lacroix strengthens Chelsea's defence

Chelsea will have a new defensive pillar. The Blues' manager, Xabi Alonso, identified a problem in his team's back line and needed a reliable centre-back to build a defensive structure around.

The ideal solution was found right in the neighbourhood, at Crystal Palace, as Maxence Lacroix is set to become a Chelsea player. According to Sky Sports, the deal is worth around €60 million.

With this signing, the Blues have finally addressed a major weakness in their squad, as the Frenchman is expected to add much-needed solidity at the back.

On the other hand, Palace have now lost their second defensive pillar from last season - Marc Guehi joined Manchester City in January - and are in need of central defenders. Given the two clubs' excellent relationship, Chelsea reportedly offered one of their out-of-favour centre-backs (Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, or Benoit Badiashile) to the Eagles, though the deal remains a long shot.

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Lacroix has recently returned from the World Cup, where he represented France and featured in three matches, against Norway, Spain, and England.

Before Palace, he played for his boyhood club Sochaux and German side Wolfsburg.