Chelsea could lose one of their reliable defenders as a consequence of signing Maxence Lacroix. The Blues knew they needed to improve their defence this summer, and despite pleas from previous managers going unanswered, Xabi Alonso has indeed been offered the chance to strengthen his back line.

Crystal Palace star Lacroix was quickly identified as the lead target, with the France World Cup star having already proven himself at Premier League level, while he is still only 26 years of age, meaning he will likely retain value. That’s something that means a great deal in the current Chelsea recruitment strategy.

A deal worth £51million has now reportedly been agreed between Chelsea and Palace, but it is not good news for everyone.

Chelsea could now lose Trevoh Chalobah

REUTERS/Mike Segar

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is expected to leave the club this summer as a consequence of the expected arrival of Lacroix. The England international has been a reliable player for the Blues, but he is not seen as a defender who belongs at the very top level.

And according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, it’s likely Palace have asked about the possibility of signing Chalobah during the Lacroix talks. He told Football Insider: “Crystal Palace are going to need to replace Lacroix, that is clear. If he’s going to Chelsea, then it’s going to be a big blow for Palace, because he has been such an important part of the success they’ve had in recent seasons.

“I expect that while they’ve been in talks with Chelsea, they will have asked about Trevoh Chalobah and whether he might be available. It looks now like he’s going to make the move to Italy, but it’s something I expect Crystal Palace have explored because they know him well and rate him very highly.

“He spent a few months at Palace a couple of seasons ago, and I’m led to believe everybody involved was a bit disappointed when he was recalled, despite how it ended up. Given it appears Chalobah is available, it would be more surprising if Palace hadn’t considered a move, because we all know they will need a new centre-back.”

Chalobah one of Chelsea’s ‘brightest spots’

Chalobah has been a largely steady player since he returned from that loan spell with Crystal Palace. Former Chelsea boss Liam ROsenior said last season: “Trevoh has been one of our brightest spots in terms of his performances and in terms of what he understands, not just on the pitch and tactically, but in terms of the culture and what he gives the group. He loves this club. He understands what it takes to win and he’s made a fantastic impression on my staff and me so far.”

TalkSport pundit Jason Cundy added: “He’s been brilliant. He’s gone under the radar a little bit because of how good we’ve been with the ball. He’s been excellent Chalobah. He deserves a special mention from me.”

Manchester United have enjoyed a proactive start to the summer transfer window, but will not rush into purchasing a third and final midfielder before the market closes.

The Red Devils are conducting a dramatic revamp in the centre of the park following the departure of veteran Casemiro. Michael Carrick has already seen Andrey Santos arrive from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans snapped up from rivals Aston Villa.

Man Utd splurged around £100million on those two additions but are known to be in the market for one more marquee signing in midfield for the 2026/27 campaign. Several names have been touted, with one Premier League star reportedly desperate to make the move to Old Trafford.

Carlos Baleba ‘very keen’ on Man Utd move

via Reuters

Brighton star Carlos Baleba has long been linked with a move to Man Utd. The Red Devils nearly signed the 22-year-old last summer, but were put off by the Seagulls’ lofty £100million valuation.

After an underwhelming campaign at the Amex Stadium, TEAMtalk report that the Brighton valuation has dropped to £70million, which could prove a more tempting offer for United.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also provided the latest on the speculation. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claimed that Baleba is ‘super keen’ on a move to the Theatre of Dreams with negotiating power in the hands of United.

He said: “Baleba is also a player who would be super keen on joining Manchester United.

“Already one year ago, Baleba wanted to go to Man Utd, but on this one, it’s on Man Utd to decide if they want to return in talks with Brighton or not.

“So, that’s the status around these players. That’s the status around these midfielders.”

Man Utd frustrate Roma with transfer hesitancy

via Reuters

With the confidence that the club is Baleba’s number one choice of destination, Man Utd will not rush for a move. The club are also considering a swoop for AS Roma star Manu Kone.

The French international could be available for £50million, which would provide a £20million saving on Baleba. Kone is believed to have reached an agreement in principle on personal terms with Man Utd, putting the Premier League side in a comfortable position once again.

The Red Devils’ lack of urgency is said to be frustrating Roma. The Corriere dello Sport claims that the Serie A giants are still waiting for an offer and are frustrated by the pace at which negotiations are proceeding.

Roma are not expected to offer Man Utd an ultimatum yet. Romano labelled that deal an ‘open story’ in his latest update.

Arsenal are now looking to press ahead with their efforts to land their primary midfielder target this summer. The Gunners are looking to add to two key positions this summer, and from there, it will be about filling out the squad in the wake of any potential departures.

The left wing and midfield are in need of strengthening, and to be specific, Mikel Arteta wants a number 8 who can dominate defensively and also spark transitions by carrying the ball into the final third.

Those two deals will not come cheap, and Arsenal are well aware of that, especially given they are on the lookout for clear upgrades, which are not easy to find when you have such a strong squad, as Arsenal do.

But there could be a deal to be done for midfielder priority Bruno Guimaraes, and that’s despite Newcastle United already losing two key players in Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer.

Arsenal now ready to make Guimaraes push

Arsenal have been linked with Guimaraes for much of the summer, but reports suggest that have largely been playing the waiting games, holding discussions with representatives but not yet approaching Newcastle.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are now ready to push ahead in a bid to strike a deal, but it will all come down to price.

“Arsenal set for new club to club contacts next week for Bruno Guimarães deal. Personal terms in place and new approach with Newcastle anticipated to proceed + £70m proposal expected to be improved. Deal depends on #NUFC decision on exit/price.”

Reports this summer have suggested that Newcastle may hold out for closer to £85million, or at least £80million, and that will give Arsenal a decision to make.

The Gunners need to be careful with their spending, given they know a world-class winger signing is likely to cost them a giant sum, potentially nine figures. Arsenal’s off-the-pitch profits mean they do have the space to spend, albeit a couple of sales may be necessary to be on the safe side, but their spending is not going to be in the £250-£300million range, as it has been in the past, so they need to be careful how much they spend on Guimaraes, and how much money they leave for that all-important left-wing signing, which is arguably more important.

Guimaraes an ‘exceptional’ midfielder

Guimaraes has become one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League, and perhaps worldwide, during his time at Newcastle United. Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the midfielder recently: “Bruno is a very important player for us. He has quality, personality and character. He is able to play in different positions and gives us a lot of energy in midfield. He has shown that he can be decisive with the ball, but also works hard without it.”

Eddie Howe added: “Players like Bruno are not around every corner. They are very, very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings.” Even Pep Guardiola, after facing the Brazilian, has said in the past: “He is an exceptional holding midfielder. He is aggressive, with the ball or without.”