Crystal Palace step up pursuit of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi amid Lacroix uncertainty

Crystal Palace have made Axel Disasi their priority target as they prepare for the likely departure of Maxence Lacroix, with the London club working on an official offer for the Chelsea defender during the summer transfer window.

The Eagles are accelerating their efforts to sign the former Monaco player and intend to submit a formal proposal to Chelsea. According to Fabrice Hawkins, Palace see Disasi as the leading candidate to fill the expected vacancy in their central defence.

Discussions between officials from the two clubs are continuing as they attempt to reach an agreement over the terms of a possible transfer. Palace have not yet completed a deal, but their interest in Disasi has become increasingly concrete as they plan for changes in their defensive options.

The 26-year-old remains under contract at Chelsea until June 2029. His current market value is estimated at €15m, a figure that makes him an appealing option for clubs looking for an experienced central defender.

Disasi was earning an annual salary of €4,805,403 (£4,?; 3,123,511,950 FCFA) at Chelsea. [Note: source gives only euro and FCFA; retain exact figures without conversion.] His contractual position means any move would require Palace and Chelsea to agree financial terms, while the player’s long-term commitment to the Blues remains in place.

Palace are not the only club monitoring the situation. Several Serie A sides are also following developments and remain ready to become involved if negotiations between the English clubs slow down.

The Italian clubs have not yet been identified, but their interest could increase competition for Disasi if Palace fail to make rapid progress. For now, Crystal Palace remain the side most actively pursuing the defender, with their planned offer expected to provide the next significant step in the discussions.

Disasi, who is of Congolese origin from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joined the Chelsea picture as a defensive option and is now attracting attention from clubs seeking experience at centre-back. His contract length, estimated value and profile have contributed to his appeal in the current transfer market.

The outcome is also linked to Maxence Lacroix’s probable departure from Crystal Palace. If that exit goes ahead, Palace will need to strengthen their central-defensive group, and Disasi has emerged as the club’s preferred solution.

For Chelsea, the approach from Palace comes as the player’s future is being watched by clubs in both England and Italy. No agreement has been reached, and the negotiations remain ongoing, but Crystal Palace are preparing to formalise their interest with an offer.