The 26-year-old defender has agreed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032 and will join up with his new Blues team-mates ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

'I am really happy to be part of this beautiful club. Everyone knows the legend of Chelsea, its tradition of winning, and to be a part of that is a proud moment,' said Lacroix.

'When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.

'We want to win. When you see the quality of the players here, everything we have around the club, it's something that we can achieve. The ambition is to lift trophies, and I can’t wait to contribute.'

Lacroix arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of being among European football’s most commanding centre-backs, as well as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier League.

He made 98 appearances for Crystal Palace during two seasons at Selhurst Park and made history with the Eagles by winning the UEFA Conference League, FA Cup and Community Shield.

A product of Sochaux's academy, Lacroix made 28 senior appearances for the French club’s first team before joining Wolfsburg in August 2020.

He spent four years with the German side and made 130 appearances before his switch to south London.

Lacroix’s performances in the Premier League and in Europe with Palace earned him international recognition in March, when he made his debut for France.

He was then included in Les Bleus’ squad for the FIFA World Cup and made three appearances at the tournament as his country claimed a fourth-place finish.

Welcome to Chelsea, Maxence!