Chelsea's big-money Maxence Lacroix move could trigger extraordinary defensive clear-out

Chelsea are currently preparing for life under their new manager, Xabi Alonso, and this has seen them busy in the transfer market, as Maxence Lacroix joined from Crystal Palace; however, this deal could see the Blues greenlight a defensive clear-out.

Alonso will be pleased that his side managed to recruit the France international, who has demonstrated during his time at Crystal Palace the quality he could bring to West London to help them attempt to lift their first Premier League title since 2017.

Yet, it should be noted that the signing of Lacroix now means that Chelsea have a grand total of nine centre backs at the club, a tally that is not needed unless the Blues were to suffer an injury crisis.

So, the club will attempt to launch a clear-out of players in this position, bidding farewell to them before the upcoming campaign, according to Football Insider.

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A total of five players who operate in this position could be about to leave Stamford Bridge, including Trevoh Chalobah, who is of interest to Como, with it likely once a fee is agreed upon between the clubs that the English international defender will be playing in Serie A next season.

Wesley Fofana is another name reportedly on the list, as he has struggled to find form at Chelsea since his move from Leicester City due to injury, despite looking impressive when fit and available.

Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Mamadou Sarr are the three other names that could be set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, as they are not viewed as crucial to the future of the club and they don’t appear to be in the plans of new manager Alonso.

The Spaniard has seemingly settled on Lacroix, Josh Acheampong, Axel Disasi, and Levi Colwill being the desired options; however, it is not to say that one of the players that are being reported that the club wants to see leave will become part of the squad due to being unable to bid farewell this summer.