Arsenal are emerging as a club to watch in the race for Maxence Lacroix, with the Crystal Palace centre-back now central to a fast-moving Premier League transfer story. According to TeamTalk, Chelsea remain the most advanced suitor, but Arsenal’s need for defensive cover has sharpened significantly following William Saliba’s injury setback.
The situation is straightforward enough. Saliba, a defining figure in Arsenal’s back line, fractured his back at the World Cup and is expected to be sidelined until around the New Year. That leaves a major gap in Mikel Arteta’s defence and breaks up a partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes that has been among the strongest in the division.
Maxence Lacroix price rises amid Chelsea interest
Lacroix’s name has quickly climbed the shortlist. Reports suggest Palace are fully aware of the demand building around the defender, and the valuation is moving accordingly. The fee is now being placed at €65-70million, or roughly £55.3m-£59.5m, after earlier expectations sat lower.
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That line alone tells much of the story. Palace believe they hold a strong negotiating position and are prepared to use wider market activity to their advantage. Sky Sports has also reported that Jan Paul van Hecke’s £52million move from Brighton to Tottenham is being used as a reference point for Palace’s stance on Lacroix.
Arsenal transfer plans shaped by Saliba injury
Arsenal’s involvement is being framed as serious monitoring rather than full engagement, at least for now. The same source added: “Palace are aware of other clubs circling. Arsenal have been monitoring his situation and they’re now stepping up their interest in a new centre-back following William Saliba’s injury. Look out for Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City as well.”
That wider competition matters. Once several elite clubs are mentioned, the pressure increases on both timing and price. Arsenal are not yet believed to have made contact, which…
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