Arsenal urged to sign Crystal Palace's Lacroix to replace injured Saliba
Former France international Frank Leboeuf has urged Arsenal to pursue a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as an immediate replacement for the injured William Saliba. Saliba suffered a leg injury while on international duty for France at the 2026 World Cup and is expected to be sidelined for four to five months. Crystal Palace are reportedly demanding at least £55 million for Lacroix, who is also a transfer target for Chelsea.
The absence of Saliba leaves Arsenal short in central defence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, raising concerns about depth as the club pushes for domestic and European honours. Leboeuf argues that Lacroix, a French international with Premier League experience, can step in and perform at top level from day one without needing months to adapt, making him a pragmatic short‑term fix.
Leboeuf added that the deal could be a permanent transfer or a loan, provided the price and fit align with Mikel Arteta’s defensive plans. With Palace’s valuation steep, Arsenal must weigh the cost against alternative options or a temporary loan arrangement.
If you were advising Arsenal’s hierarchy, would you meet Palace’s £55 million asking price for Lacroix, push for a loan deal, or explore other defensive targets to cover Saliba’s absence?