Manchester City are reportedly getting closer to signing Marc Cucurella as Pep Guardiola eyes his third signing this summer.
According to Eldesmarque, Marc Cucurella could become Manchester City’s third summer signing, with the Premier League champions inching closer to landing the versatile defender. Brighton & Hove Albion are expected to sell if their valuation for the player is met, with the Spanish outlet insisting an offer of around £30 million should be enough to tempt the Seagulls.
Brighton are a club on the rise, having done some amazing work on and off the pitch. At the same time, their strong finish to the Premier League season saw them end up in the ninth spot, their best ranking in the top-flight. Graham Potter is seeking more improvements from the team next season, but the Seagulls may have to make do without some of their key players.
Brighton’s business model is based on the club developing players and hoping to sell them for a big profit. After making their record sale last summer with the transfer of Ben White to Arsenal, the Seagulls are bracing for a similar offer for one of their other defensive star. Marc Cucurella could be the subject of a big proposal from Manchester City, who are chasing the versatile Spanish full-back.
Cucurella only joined Brighton last summer from Getafe for around £16 million, and his impressive season with the Seagulls have attracted the interest of many top sides in the league. Apart from Man City, others such as Tottenham and Chelsea are keen on the left-back, although it does seem like Pep Guardiola’s men will end up signing the defender.
His ability to play in three different positions will always be an attractive factor for any top side. Cucurella has been superb in Brighton’s system as either a left-back or a left centre-back role. He also played each of the 35 games he was available for, having arrived at the Amex Stadium after the Seagulls had played their first three campaign games.
The report claims Manchester City could get the Spanish left-back for an estimated £30 million. However, a few days ago, contrasting stories suggested Brighton could seek a similar price to that of Ben White’s transfer last summer, which could be around the £45 million mark.
Manchester City have faced problems in the left-back area. They remain without Benjamin Mendy due to his involvement in an off-field matter, while the likelihood of Oleksandr Zinchenko departing in the summer is increasing. The Ukrainian is linked with a move to Arsenal, with Manchester City prepared to sell him for the right offer.
Cucurella could be the ideal, long-term replacement for Zinchenko at left-back. His characteristics would vastly benefit Manchester City, as his style suits the ideas of Guardiola. The price tag mentioned could be vastly underreported, as Brighton could seek far more than £30 million . In any case, Manchester City will be ready to pay the right amount as they seem intent on signing Cucurella this summer.
