Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella. Manchester City have had multiple bids for the Spanish defender rejected and the Sky Blues are refusing to meet Brighton’s £50 million (h/t Sky Sports) asking price. The Seagulls star handed in a transfer request last week in a bid to force through a move to Manchester City.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have seemingly hijacked Man City’s attempt to sign Marc Cucurella, and have shown willingness to meet Brighton’s £50 million valuation. They have made a significant breakthrough by agreeing personal terms with the player, Romano tweeted.
Cucurella, 24, joined Brighton from Getafe on the deadline day last summer and went on to enjoy an impressive debut campaign in England. He quickly became a mainstay in Graham Potter’s backline and delivered a series of notable performances, including the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United at home.
Full agreement now reached between Chelsea and Cucurella on personal terms. Potential contract has been proposal approved, Marc’s prepared to accept once clubs agree on fee. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea and Brighton in direct talks again today in order to complete the deal. pic.twitter.com/Ey2VF4RGRL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
The Spanish wing-back’s hot form and impact last term has seen many turn heads in his direction, with Chelsea now in the driving seat to seal his signature.
Marc Cucurella to Chelsea – How will he fit in?
Chelsea are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements having missed out on several players as they seek to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who left on free transfers for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. The Pensioners missed out on Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde and are now pursuing alternatives having already signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
With the start of the brand new campaign just days away, Thomas Tuchel is keen to get in as many players as possible after missing out on several targets. Tuchel wants another centre-back after landing Koulibaly and has given Chelsea the green light to pursue Marc Cucurella.
Cucurella excelled at Brighton playing as a left wing-back in Graham Potter’s 3-4-3/3-4-1-2 system, catching the eye of the neutrals with his pace, crossing ability, overlapping runs and attacking intent. He also played as a left centre-back at times and did a solid job last season, which means there’s every chance of Tuchel using Cucurella in his back-three system at Chelsea.
Cucurella could slot in at the back alongside Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly, adding balance and energy. The Spaniard is a competent 1v1 defender, difficult to beat and get past. At just 5ft 6ins, he is extremely agile and can turn on a dime, working out of tight situations.
As witnessed at Brighton, Cucurella looked more at home as a left wing-back as it gave him the license to bomb forward and do damage in the final third of the pitch. Tuchel could very well use the ex-Getafe man at left wing-back but the problem is Chelsea also have Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell as options. Even if Alonso leaves, Tuchel would potentially face the headache of fielding both Cucurella and Chilwell in his starting XI, thus, quashing either one of their attacking qualities. Cucurella and Chilwell will fight for the left-back spot if the Blues boss switches to a 4-3-3 system.
All in all, the signing of Cucurella would boost Chelsea’s defensive options and give Tuchel a deep squad, which is required to compete in the upcoming gruelling campaign.
