Maxence Lacroix Set To Inherit Chelsea's No. 23 Shirt As Chalobah Eyes Serie A Move

Chelsea's summer signing Maxence Lacroix is expected to wear the club's No. 23 jersey as preparations continue for the new Premier League season.

The shirt becomes available with academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah nearing a permanent transfer to Italian side Como.

Lacroix recently completed his move to Stamford Bridge and is expected to strengthen Chelsea's defensive unit after impressing with his performances in the Premier League.

The French centre-back built a solid reputation during his spell at Crystal Palace, where he established himself as one of the league's dependable defenders.

The No. 23 shirt has been associated with Chalobah in recent seasons, but the defender appears close to beginning a fresh chapter in Serie A.

Reports indicate that negotiations with Como are in the final stages, with both clubs working to complete the transfer.

Once the deal is officially concluded, Lacroix will take over the squad number as he begins life under Chelsea's coaching staff.

The move signals the club's confidence in the new signing as they continue reshaping their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Chelsea are aiming to improve on last season's performances by reinforcing key areas of the team, particularly in defense.

Lacroix is expected to add strength, pace, and composure to the back line as the Blues prepare for domestic and European competitions.

For Chalobah, the transfer offers an opportunity for regular first-team football in Italy after spending several years at his boyhood club.

The defender, who progressed through Chelsea's academy before breaking into the senior squad, is expected to seek a fresh challenge as he continues his career abroad.

If the transfer is completed as anticipated, Chelsea will officially hand the iconic No. 23 shirt to Lacroix, marking the beginning of a new era for both defenders as they embark on different paths in their professional careers.