Chelsea ‘keeping an eye on’ Wolfsburg centre back Maxence Lacroix — report

Chelsea have been linked with a great number of centre backs in the past few months, and the latest one to join the lengthy list is VFL Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix, as per Sky Deutschland.

The report claims that contact with Lacroix’s representatives has already been established, with the 21-year-old’s impressive performances in his first season in the Bundesliga attracting the interest of Chelsea, as well as other sides.

Wolfsburg plucked the 6’3” France U20 international out of French second division Sochaux just last summer, and while his current contract is good through 2024, they want to sign him to a new and improved deal, especially after their qualification for next season’s Champions League. But so far, he has refused multiple such advances and those have led to speculation that Wolfsburg may be willing to cash in for around €30m, six times as much as they paid twelve months ago.

Lacroix made 35 appearances for Wolfsburg this season, and has become regarded as one of the most talented young centre backs in the world, alongside the likes of Sven Botman, Benoit Badiashile, and Lois Bade.