Maxence Lacroix is Crystal Palace’s tub-thumping cheerleader. Their ‘second captain’ under the management of Oliver Glasner, he has become a key player at the heart of their defence.A cult hero already, his comments to reporters, albeit slightly condensed and altered for clarity, during Palace’s successful FA Cup run in the 2024-25 season were front and centre of the banner accompanying a tifo at the final and they will never be forgotten: “Wembley will shake and it will be beautiful.”Those were not his exact words, but the meaning was seemingly as he had intended.It is Lacroix who popularised the fist pumps at the end of victories in front of the Selhurst Park crowd. His endeavour and commitment, coupled with strong performances on the pitch in the Premier League and European competition, mean he is held in high esteem by supporters, team-mates and his the coaching staff alike.The Crystal Palace supporters unfurl their pre-match message based loosely on Maxence Lacroix’s quotes (Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)But those abilities and characteristics mean he has also caught the eye of external suitors.On Tuesday, The Athletic reported that Chelsea have identified the 26-year-old as one of their main targets at centre-back, even if they are looking at other options, too. Should that interest be firmed up with an offer, Palace would consider selling Lacroix this summer.They are aware of his ambition to further himself and play at the highest level for the most established clubs, as is true of many players, even if Chelsea will not compete in UEFA competition in 2026-27 after an underwhelming season last time out. Under the recently appointed Xabi Alonso, they would expect to compete more coherently nearer the top of the table next term.But that desire to improve is partly why Lacroix has become so successful. He is not unhappy at the south London club, but would like to test himself further.Palace are under no significant pressure to sell, but there are reasons why they would contemplate allowing Lacroix, a full France international who is part of their World Cup squad, to leave.Given they spent around £80million ($105.7m) to bring in Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen in the winter transfer window, both of whom are high earners, and no players have as yet been released, the money received would be useful. They have qualified for the Europa League after winning the Conference League in May, so an influx of funds would help them meet UEFA’s Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules.The Athletic previously reported Palace were close to UEFA’s SCR limit. With bonuses and the mid-season additions taken into account, even after the sales of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, the margins are even tighter this time round.But that would only be a minor consideration in weighing up whether to allow him to leave should offers arrive. Palace’s principal transfer strategy is to buy players either at a young age or who are less established, develop them and then sell them on for a profit before reinvesting that money in the squad.Lacroix arrived from Wolfsburg in August 2024 as a 24-year-old for an initial €18mi (£15.5m; $20.5m), with €3m due in potential add-ons. To sell him on now, after two years of excellent progression, would fall within the parameters of that strategy.Maxence Lacroix beats Rayo Vallecano’s Alexandre Zurawski and Pathe Ciss to the ball (Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images)What fee they might receive is unclear, but with Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke joining Tottenham Hotspur for £52m with a year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, a benchmark may have been set.The Frenchman has a contract running through to 2029, so there is no pressure to cash in, even if other factors might make it more likely. It also suggests Palace could demand a higher fee for an experienced player — a leader bolstered by two years competing in the Premier League.Any sale would necessitate buying a replacement. No new centre-back was signed when Guehi joined Manchester City in January for £20m and there are only three other natural centre-backs at the club.Although Jefferson Lerma, Nathaniel Clyne (if he signs a new deal) and even Tyrick Mitchell or Daniel Munoz could cover if necessary, that would not be sufficient for a season where Palace will compete in Europe. None of those is close to Lacroix’s level in that role.Of the established centre-halves, Chadi Riad and Jaydee Canvot are significantly less experienced, and selling Lacroix would leave two younger defenders alongside Chris Richards — who only has a year remaining on his contract.Crystal Palace have high hopes for Jaydee Canvot (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)Canvot, as impressive as he has been, will still be forgiven inconsistencies next season given he is still only 19, while Riad has just turned 23 and spent much of the past two seasons injured. An established defender would surely be needed.Palace’s resolve may not be tested but, given Lacroix is a major target for Chelsea, there is every chance they will follow up their interest with an offer. There are many considerations when it comes to selling, but it would be unwise to rule out the possibility of him leaving. As undesirable as it would be, a sale might not be quite so disruptive at centre-half as it would be in other positions.But Lacroix, the fan favourite, would be missed.