Maxence Lacroix set for Chelsea medical TODAY as £52m transfer nears completion with three Blues stars braced to leave

MAXENCE LACROIX will undergo his Chelsea medical TODAY ahead of a £52million move from Crystal Palace. The France international, 26, emerged as a key target with new boss Xabi Alonso keen to bolster the Blues’ back line. Chelsea are set to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace Credit: Getty Manager Xabi Alonso is being heavily backed in his first summer Credit: Getty Premier League experience was deemed a significant factor in any new signings at the back. Arsenal, who are now without Lacroix’s France teammate William Saliba due to a long injury lay-off, enquired about the Palace man before the start of the World Cup but did not pursue a deal. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! Palace were holding out for up to £60million for the defender, and at least wanted to match the £52million Tottenham paid Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke earlier this summer. Lacroix won the FA Cup, Conference League and Community Shield during his time at Selhurst Park. Chelsea have also expressed an interest in free agent John Stones, with Alonso keen to add experienced leaders to the squad. A number of central defenders are expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. Trevoh Chalobah, an academy product, has been the subject of bids from Italian side Como, managed by former Blue Cesc Fabregas. Axel Disasi, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, has attracted interest from AC Milan among others and is valued at £25million. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Chelsea ticket and hospitality deals GET tickets to see Chelsea home games at Stamford Bridge with these official deals. The packages include optional upgrades to VIP hospitality. ⚽ 30 Aug v Brighton — BOOK HERE ⚽ 12 Sep v Hull — BOOK HERE ⚽ 10 Oct v Bournemouth — BOOK HERE ⚽ 24 Oct v Spurs — BOOK HERE ⚽ 31 Oct v Man United — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. The French defender was discussed as an option to join Palace but prefers a move to Europe this summer. Benoit Badiashile is also expected to depart this summer. Lacroix follows Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra as signings made under Alonso, with Valentin Barco set to join from sister club Strasbourg. Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have also joined Chelsea this summer on deals agreed before Alonso arrived. The squad head out to Australia for pre-season on Friday with a number of friendlies to take place ahead of the new Prem campaign. Comment now