Chelsea's incoming manager Xabi Alonso is making an immediate impact at the club, helping orchestrate the team's first summer signing in a £51m deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. Alonso played a key role in convincing Palestra to join Chelsea, beating out Inter Milan in the transfer race. The 21-year-old Italy international will bring a new level of talent to the club's backline.
Alonso has also sanctioned Chelsea's move for Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix, a France international who has impressed with 70 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons. Lacroix was instrumental in helping Palace win the FA Cup and Conference League, and Chelsea see him as an ideal signing to bring proven Premier League experience to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have opened talks with Palace over a deal for Lacroix, who has expressed his desire to join the Premier League giants and be part of Alonso's project. While Palace are reportedly seeking a minimum of £35m to sell Lacroix, Chelsea are confident of securing his signature given his enthusiasm for the move.
The signing of Lacroix would be a significant coup for Chelsea, who are looking to rebuild their team following a disappointing season. With Alonso at the helm, the club is poised to make a number of key signings in the coming weeks, and Lacroix's arrival would be a major boost to the team's defensive capabilities.
