Chelsea is on the brink of their first summer signing, as reports from L’Equipe indicate a deal for Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace is in place. The club has remained relatively quiet in the transfer market, with the sale of Marc Cucurella being their only confirmed transaction to date.

According to sources, the transfer for the 26-year-old defender is expected to be finalized for approximately €55 million once the World Cup concludes. Lacroix, who is currently part of the France squad, has impressed during his time at Crystal Palace, showcasing the Premier League experience that Chelsea has been seeking to bolster their defense.

Key details include:

• Player: Maxence Lacroix
• Current Club: Crystal Palace
• Transfer Fee: €55 million
• World Cup Participation: Attending as part of the France squad

Lacroix is anticipated to feature prominently in France's upcoming match against Norway, allowing Chelsea fans to catch a glimpse of their potential new signing in action.

In related news, David Ornstein reports that Chelsea’s deal for Marco Palestra is also complete, with an announcement expected soon. Additionally, Gary O’Neil has been appointed as the new manager for Ipswich, following a brief association with Strasbourg.