Arsenal have joined Chelsea in the pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, according to The Daily Mail.
The Frenchman signed for the Eagles from Wolfsburg two years ago and has since evolved into a key player in the heart of their defence.
He still has three years remaining on his Palace contract, but the centre-back appears open to pursuing a bigger challenge away from the club.
Chelsea are exploring a move for Lacroix with new manager Xabi Alonso’s preference to play with a back three.
Arsenal have also joined the list of admirers, though playing time could be a big deciding factor for a transfer.
Lacroix is presently part of France’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in North America.
Arsenal unlikely to make an offer for Lacroix
The Gunners have one of the best central defensive partnerships in world football.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are undisputed starters in the Premier League and Champions League games when fit.
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Magalhaes has had some injury troubles in the last two years, but the club have the left centre-back role well covered for him.
Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie (poised to join permanently) are solid options to provide cover to the Brazilian centre-back.
On the other hand, Arsenal have Cristhian Mosquera as a backup for William Saliba for the right central defensive position.
Jurrien Timber can comfortably play there too (when fit). Hence, Arsenal are unlikely to pursue another centre-back this summer.
Lacroix is undoubtedly a talented centre-back. He has a dominating aerial presence and has impressed with his ball-playing ability, too.
Still, it does not make sense for the Premier League holders to pursue a deal for the 26-year-old unless a high-profile centre-back leaves.
There was a rumour that Real Madrid were eyeing Calafiori, but it has been dispelled by their recent deal for Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella