Crystal Palace signed Maxence Lacroix for £18 million less than two years ago. Now the French defender could leave for more than double that price, with Arsenal and Manchester United circling a situation that has all the hallmarks of a summer transfer saga.

The 26-year-old centre-back’s contract negotiations at Selhurst Park have hit a wall. Despite having a deal that runs until June 2029, the lack of progress on an extension has opened the door for Premier League heavyweights to start making calls.

The price tag and the interest

Crystal Palace reportedly values Lacroix at a minimum of €40 million, which works out to roughly £34.5 million. That’s nearly double the £18 million Palace paid VfL Wolfsburg in August 2024 to bring him to south London.

Arsenal and Manchester United are the two clubs most prominently linked, though Chelsea and Liverpool have also been monitoring the situation. No confirmed bids or formal offers have materialized as of early June 2026.

Why contract talks stalled

What makes this situation slightly unusual is the length of the existing contract. Lacroix signed a five-year deal when he arrived from Wolfsburg, meaning Palace still has him locked in until 2029.

Lacroix’s potential final appearance at Selhurst Park could come against Arsenal in May 2026, adding a layer of narrative to the transfer situation.

What this means for Arsenal and Manchester United

The €40 million asking price is worth contextualizing. In a transfer market where elite centre-backs routinely command fees north of €60 million and even €80 million, Lacroix at €40 million would represent relative value for a player of his age and experience level.

The risk for both suitors is a bidding war. When multiple top clubs express interest in the same player, the selling club’s leverage multiplies. Palace’s €40 million floor could easily become €50 million or more if genuine competition develops. Chelsea and Liverpool lurking in the background only strengthens Palace’s hand.