Maxence Lacroix joins ‘beautiful club’ Chelsea as John Stones seals Inter deal

Maxence Lacroix has joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer. The France international, who won the FA Cup and Conference League with Palace, was the Blues’ main defensive target of the window.

Lacroix, 26, signs a six-year deal with Xabi Alonso’s side. “I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club,” said Lacroix, who played three times for France at the World Cup, including in their 6-4 bronze medal match defeat by England.

“Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment. I think it’s the best move for me because it’s the best club in the world. When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.

“We want to win. When you see the quality of the players here, everything we have around the club, it’s something that we can achieve. The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute.”

Chelsea had been looking to add experience to their back line having missed out on Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet in January, with the player opting to join Liverpool. Levi Colwill, who is considered to be a key part of the club’s long-term plans, missed almost all of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah forming the central-defensive partnership for much of the campaign.

After a dismal season that saw the club finish 10th, the club’s hierarchy has acknowledged a change in recruitment policy is needed, with a refocusing away from young, inexperienced players towards ones that can help the team compete for the title.

Lacroix, who made 55 appearances last season for Palace, has been one of the league’s most consistent defenders since moving to Selhurst Park from Wolfsburg in 2024.

The Blues confirmed the club-record arrival of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers last week, and have also added Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda.

Chelsea also look set to sign Brighton’s Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson after his contract with Brentford was terminated.

after newsletter promotion

John Stones has joined Inter on a two-year contract, the Serie A club have announced.

The England centre-back was a free agent after leaving Manchester City and had attracted interest from clubs across Europe.

The 32-year-old ended his 10-year stay at City in June. He made 295 appearances for the club after joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016 and won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League title.