It’s happening again. Just days after watching Morgan Rogers slip through their fingers, Arsenal are about to lose yet another top target to Chelsea. This time, it’s Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix — and the timing couldn’t be worse for Mikel Arteta.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on July 23 that Chelsea are now “one step away” from completing a deal for the 26-year-old French defender. Personal terms are fully agreed. The two clubs are ironing out the final details of a package expected to exceed £55 million. Arsenal? They’re standing on the outside, looking in.
Why Lacroix Matters So Much to Arsenal Right Now
Here’s the cruel twist. Arsenal confirmed on July 23 that William Saliba will miss an extended period with a back injury sustained during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. The defender reportedly told teammates his back was “gone” before being substituted in the 30th minute. Surgery has been ruled out, but a lengthy rehabilitation awaits.
Lacroix isn’t just any centre-back. He’s Saliba’s direct replacement in the France national team. He’s been called up whenever Saliba has been unavailable. He helped Crystal Palace win the Europa Conference League last season.
Arsenal’s defensive injury record has been grim:
- Saliba now sidelined with a back problem
- Gabriel Magalhaes dealt with knee issues last season
- Ben White missed time with a knee injury in May
- Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Piero Hincapie all missed stretches of the 2025-26 campaign
A player with Lacroix’s profile — quick, aggressive, proven in the Premier League — was exactly what Arteta needed. Multiple reports from the Daily Mail and CaughtOffside confirmed Arsenal’s admiration for the defender as early as June.
But they didn’t move fast enough.
Chelsea’s Summer Spending Spree Leaves Arsenal Behind
What’s particularly frustrating for Arsenal fans is the pattern forming under Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea. The Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge on a four-year deal this summer, inheriting a squad that finished 10th last season. And he’s wasting no time reshaping it.
Chelsea already completed a British record £117 million deal for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. Rogers himself took a dig at Arsenal after signing, saying Chelsea are “the biggest club in London.” That’s salt in the wound for Gunners supporters who watched their club withdraw from negotiations rather than match Chelsea’s offer.
Now Lacroix is set to follow Rogers to Stamford Bridge. Romano reported that discussions advanced following a key meeting in New York between the two ownership groups.
Journalist Alex Crook added that Palace chairman Steve Parish is personally handling negotiations, with Chelsea having offered players including Axel Disasi as part of the package. However, Romano stated that Disasi isn’t keen on joining Palace and likely won’t be included in the final deal.
What Happens Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal aren’t out of options. Reports link them with Ezri Konsa and West Ham’s Konstantinos Mavropanos as defensive alternatives. There’s also young signing Cristhian Mosquera, who may now be thrust into the starting lineup sooner than expected.
But let’s be honest — neither option carries the same weight as Lacroix. Can you really replace a World Cup-level centre-back with a 21-year-old and a mid-table defender?
The Gunners won the Premier League title last season and reached the Champions League final. They should be strengthening from a position of power. Instead, they’re watching their London rivals build a squad with players they wanted.
Arsenal’s pre-season starts on August 1 against Girona, with the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16. The Premier League title defence kicks off on August 21 against Coventry.
The clock is ticking. The window closes September 1. And right now, Chelsea are winning the transfer battle that could define both clubs’ seasons.
