Crystal Palace submit loan to buy bid for ‘priority target’ after Takehiro Tomiyasu

Crystal Palace have money to spend following Maxence Lacroix’s departure, but replacing him will not be straightforward.

The French defender completed a £52 million move to Chelsea last week, ending an excellent two-year spell at Selhurst Park.

Lacroix had become a commanding figure in Palace’s back line. His speed allowed the defence to hold a higher position, while his ability to cover open spaces was particularly valuable whenever the wing-backs pushed forward.

His exit has left Pierre Sage needing another experienced centre-back before a season featuring both Premier League and Europa League football.

Palace are close to adding Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after the former Arsenal defender passed his medical.

However, the Japan international’s history of knee problems means it would be risky to regard him as Lacroix’s only replacement.

Axel Disasi, however, has just restored his reputation after an impressive loan spell at West Ham.

The 28-year-old is powerful in the air, physically imposing and comfortable defending inside a back three. He can also cover at right-back, although his strongest position remains in central defence.

Disasi worked his way through Paris FC and Reims before establishing himself at Monaco. His performances in Ligue 1 earned him a place in France’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, where he made his senior international debut.

Chelsea paid Monaco around £38.5 million for him in 2023.

He made 44 appearances in his first season and scored three times, but managerial changes and heavy recruitment gradually pushed him down the order.

A loan to Aston Villa during the second half of 24/25 did not lead to a permanent move. Disasi then spent the opening months of last season away from Chelsea’s senior squad before West Ham offered him an escape in February.

That loan helped him rebuild some momentum.

Disasi made 17 appearances and scored one goal for the Hammers across all competitions, although his efforts were not enough to prevent their relegation.

West Ham have remained interested in bringing him back, with Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips recently reporting that the clubs had reached an agreement in principle over a permanent transfer.

However, Disasi wanted time to assess other opportunities before committing himself, with Palace now giving him a serious alternative.

Crystal Palace submit loan to buy bid for Axel Disasi

According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the Eagles have submitted a loan offer containing an obligation to buy the defender.

Hawkins reports that Disasi remains their priority replacement for Lacroix, with negotiations between Palace and Chelsea continuing.

A meeting has also taken place with the player’s representatives, showing Palace are working on both sides of the proposed deal.

The structure could appeal to the Eagles because it would delay the permanent cost, leaving more of the Lacroix money available for other positions this summer.

Chelsea, meanwhile, want a clear route towards removing Disasi from their books rather than arranging another temporary spell with no guaranteed outcome.

West Ham cannot be discounted while their alleged agreement remains on the table, but Italian clubs have also monitored the situation.

Palace, though, can offer Premier League football, a place in Europe and an obvious route into Sage’s starting side.