Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella following his latest comments.
Marc Cucurella insists he is happy at Chelsea and does not want to discuss his future, amid reported interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The Spanish left-back made the comments during an interview with COPE.
The Spanish international said, “Right now, I don’t want to talk about that. I’m very happy at Chelsea, but for some time now I haven’t wanted to know anything about those discussions. I want to enjoy this experience because it could be my first and my last World Cup. I just want to enjoy it.”
When pressed specifically on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Cucurella responded by saying, “No, no. I’ll pass.”
Cucurella joined Chelsea in 2022 from Brighton in a deal worth an initial fee of £56 million. The 27-year-old has become one of the cornerstones of their defence and is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world.
In the recently concluded campaign, he featured in 50 matches and contributed five goals. While Chelsea’s season fell short of expectations, Cucurella was among their standout performers, combining defensive solidity with incisive attacking prowess.
The 27-year-old was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and is now preparing for his first World Cup. He has been an undisputed starter for Luis de la Fuente’s side throughout this period.
Spanish clubs circle
The Spaniard still has three years left on his contract at Chelsea, but he has been linked with a potential return to Spain. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reported to hold interest in the full-back, who is entering the prime years of his career.
Atletico Madrid are keen to strengthen their left flank; Matteo Ruggeri is currently the only out-and-out left-back at the club and has recently been linked with a move away from Estadio Metropolitano. Cucurella’s impressive defensive record and attacking capability align with Diego Simeone’s preference for full-backs who can contribute offensively.
Barcelona, meanwhile, want to bring their academy product back to the club. He left with just one first-team appearance, but now regarded as one of the world’s best left-backs, he fits their ambitions. Alejandro Balde is the only natural left-back in their squad, and consistency has been an issue; strengthening the left flank remains a priority.
Given Cucurella’s status as a La Masia graduate, Barcelona believe he could integrate seamlessly with Hansi Flick’s side. However, securing his services will not be straightforward. Chelsea are reluctant to sell one of their key players, and Cucurella has made clear his contentment at Stamford Bridge, which complicates the Spanish clubs’ pursuit.