Shortly after signing Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, Chelsea have reportedly initiated discussions to sign another 2026 FIFA World Cup player, Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

The 24-year-old was a part of the France team that finished fourth at the quadrennial event in the USA, Canada and Mexico, losing 6-4 to England in the third-place playoff in Miami on Saturday (July 18).

Lacroix played 55 games for Palace last season, contributing three goals and as many assists. Two of those strikes and one assist came in 14 games in their victorious UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.

Despite being contracted to Palace till 2029, the former Wolfsburg man - who played three games for Les Bleus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup - is the subject of interest of the Blues. As per GiveMeSport's senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs, Palace value Lacroix at around £55 million.

As per the BBC, Xabi Alonso's side have agreed a verbal deal for Villa's Rogers - who was part of the England side that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup - on a club record £117 million.

The 23-year-old registered two assists in seven games, with the goal contributions coming in the 2-1 extra time win over Norway as well as the 2-1 semi-final loss to holders Argentina in midweek.

Chelsea will have one player featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which culminates tonight (July 19) with holders Argentina taking on European champions Spain in New Jersey.

Blues midfielder Enzo Fernandez - who netted the winner in the Round of 16 win over Egypt and scored the equaliser in the semi-final win over England - is expected to feature from the start against La Roja.

Marc Cucurella who entered the competition as a Chelsea player but has now been signed up by Real Madrid will turn up for a Spain side looking to win the competition for the first time since their triumphant campaign in South Africa in 2010.

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