Inter have temporarily paused their pursuit of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to focus on other priorities, as the Premier League side await his departure before making a formal approach for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix. The Italian champions are carefully plotting their next moves in the transfer market while maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Como.
Chelsea are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as they look to bolster their defensive options for next season. At the same time, the club could part ways with Trevoh Chalobah, who is attracting serious interest from Serie A side Como, to help fund the move for Lacroix before incoming manager Xabi Alonso arrives.
Didier Deschamps has officially announced his 26-man France squad for the 2026 World Cup, and there is no room for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga. The midfielder is the most high-profile casualty of a list that also excludes forward Randal Kolo Muani - currently on loan at Tottenham - while handing surprise call-ups to the likes of Robin Risser and Maxence Lacroix.
Crystal Palace are bracing for a surge of interest in Maxence Lacroix after the defender made his senior international debut for France. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old, who has established himself as the fastest centre-back in the Premier League this season. With no release clause in his current deal, the Eagles face a major battle to retain their defensive lynchpin this summer.
Arsenal defender William Saliba has officially withdrawn from the France squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures in the United States. The 24-year-old was forced to pull out just 24 hours after playing the full 90 minutes in the Gunners' Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley. Consequently, Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has been handed his maiden senior call-up to replace the injured star.
Liverpool are in a mess all of their own making. The Reds knew that they were short on senior centre-backs last summer and had ample time to address the problem before the close of the transfer window - yet they waited until deadline day to finalise a move for Marc Guehi. So, when Crystal Palace pulled the plug on the deal at the 11th hour, Liverpool were left in the very, very precarious position of needing Ibrahima Konate to continue performing at a high level, Joe Gomez to stay fit and teenage summer signing Giovanni Leoni to make an immediate impact at Anfield.