Xabi Alonso targets second Chelsea signing as talks underway with France World Cup star

Xabi Alonso's rebuild job is already off to a flying start as the Spanish boss has identified one key area of the Chelsea squad that needs strengthening, and a French World Cup star is at the top of his priority list.

With rich choices in midfield and attack, Xabi Alonso has started life at Chelsea by identifying eight 'untouchable' players in his camp, and planning a heavy recruitment strategy around it.

The job was made more difficult as Marc Cucurella's exit opened the floodgates for Chelsea's players to begin eyeing new challenges, as a second player has made his feelings clear that an exit is preferred.

Malo Gutso's pending departure has opened the door to Alonso's first signing, though, as 21-year-old Italian right-back Marco Palestra is set to head to Stamford Bridge.

Now, Alonso is going all-in on a defensive restructure, which will suit his most natural 3-4-2-1 formation.

Particularly, the centre back issue that has plagued Chelsea is high on Alonso's to-fix list, and he has reportedly identified Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix as the man he wants to lead a new-look back line.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 26-year-old defender is at the top of the shortlist for Chelsea this summer, likely coming in as Alonso's second signing of the window.

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Lacroix has impressed since arriving in London for just £15 million, replacing Joachim Andersen to play a key part in earning three trophies for Palace.

His performances have earned him a call-up to an extremely competitive French World Cup squad, keeping out Premier League talent Leny Yoro and Juve centre-half Pierre Kalulu.

A fee for the player has not yet been set, although Transfermarkt claims his market value is around £40 million.

Should Lacroix decide against Chelase, or if a deal is not met between the two clubs, Chelsea's attention will turn towards young Spanish centre-back Jacobo Ramón, currently operating at Como.

Making way in the Chelsea squad could be England World Cup call-up, Trevoh Chalobah, as Romano suggests that he will be following the likes of Tomori out to Italy.

Tuchel's wildcard has attracted the attention of Champions League side Como, with Cesc Fabregas' side launching a bid while Inter Milan also monitors the situation. It could be a case of a swap deal for Ramón and Chalobah, although Lacroix is still the top option.

All of this defensive reworking could be for nought, though, as Chelsea might also have to prepare for life without their captain and central midfield stalwart in Enzo Fernández, as rumours continue to swirl around the future of the Argentina international.