Until Monday morning, Manchester City were to be the frontrunners in signing Marc Cucurella but it looks like Chelsea have stolen a march in this race.
Pep Guardiola is really interested in signing the full-back but City have been unwilling to pay more than £40 million for the Brighton man. Now, in a Barcelona-esque move, Chelsea have almost hijacked this deal.
Fabrizio Romano is claiming that the Blues are ready to meet Brighton’s transfer demands which has now put them in the driver’s seat.
He wrote on Twitter: “Chelsea are confident on reaching an agreement with Marc Cucurella, not expected to be an issue. Contract proposal’s being prepared.
“Negotiations ongoing with Brighton. Price tag: £50m. Chelsea want to be fast – including Levi Colwill as part of the conversations.”
Chelsea are confident on reaching an agreement with Marc Cucurella, not expected to be an issue. Contract proposal’s being prepared. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Negotiations ongoing with Brighton. Price tag: £50m. Chelsea want to be fast – including Levi Colwill as part of the conversations. pic.twitter.com/wbAouxbZJc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2022
Does Chelsea need the Brighton full-back?
Thomas Tuchel could be planning to use a conventional backline next season and if these reports are true then someone like Marc Cucurella can be a great asset for the manager.
Ben Chilwell missed a large part of the previous season due to injuries while Emerson and Marcos Alonso are expected to leave in the coming weeks.
In such a scenario, it will be necessary to add a new left-back to the squad and right now, the Brighton man is one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League.
Will Chelsea be able to sign Marc Cucurella before Man City?
Man City have let Zinchenko join Arsenal which is why they are so desperate to sign Marc Cucurella but as things stand they could miss out on the left-back.
Earlier Man City were not ready to spend more than £40 million on the 24-year-old but now that Chelsea have outdone them, it remains to be seen what Guardiola’s response is.
Joao Cancelo is more than a capable left-back but with Zinchenko gone, the manager needs to add a new face in that position asap. There’s every chance Man City are going to match or better Chelsea’s offer and if that happens then Marc Cucurella is more likely to choose a move to the Etihad Stadium.
