Chelsea have completed the signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £51 million, with the centre-back signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Axar.az reports, citing Sky Sports, that the 26-year-old joined Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024 and played a key role in the club's FA Cup and UEFA Conference League triumphs.

His arrival takes Chelsea's summer spending beyond £250 million.

Lacroix is the first player aged 26 or older for whom Chelsea have paid a transfer fee since the summer of 2022, reflecting a shift in the club's recruitment strategy under new manager Xabi Alonso toward more experienced players.