Crystal Palace Target Brest Teenager Raphaël Le Guen as Lacroix Nears Chelsea Exit

Crystal Palace are monitoring Brest centre-back Raphaël Le Guen as a potential reinforcement ahead of Maxence Lacroix’s anticipated departure to Chelsea.

The 19-year-old defender has emerged as a target for the Eagles, with Lacroix’s move to Stamford Bridge appearing increasingly likely. Le Guen broke into the Brest first team during the recent campaign, making six Ligue 1 appearances, including starts in the final four fixtures against high-calibre opposition such as Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg.

The pursuit continues Palace’s recent strategy of recruiting young French centre-backs. Last summer, the club secured 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse, who quickly established himself as a defensive mainstay following the exit of captain Marc Guéhi.

Additionally, Palace hold an interest in Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima as an alternative option to fill the void left by Lacroix. The 24-year-old former France youth international is reportedly open to a switch to Selhurst Park, where he would link up with compatriot Pierre Sage, who was appointed head coach earlier this summer.

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