Chelsea reportedly have an agreement with Marc Cucurella on personal terms as the Blues and Brighton continue to hold talks to finalise a deal.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have agreed on personal terms with Marc Cucurella after accelerating their approach for the defender this week. The Brighton & Hove Albion defender, also a target for Manchester City. will accept the contract proposed by the Blues once the two clubs reach a consensus on the final transfer fees.
This week, Marc Cucurella’s name has become a standard fixture around transfer market circles as Chelsea began proceedings to sign the Spanish defender. The Blues emerged as surprise contenders on Monday and have accelerated their pursuit of the Manchester City target, with talks already advanced.
Chelsea’s potential offer for Cucurella remains under the wraps, but it is believed the west Londoners are willing to meet Brighton & Hove Albion’s £50 million asking price one way or another. Reports claimed that young Chelsea defender Levi Colwill could be included as part of the deal, but there has been no confirmation on that front.
In any case, Cucurella has been angling for a move away from Brighton, and in light of his club knocking back Manchester City’s second bid, the Spaniard handed in a transfer request to force a move through. At that time, he was the favourite to join Pep Guardiola’s side as a direct replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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
Once talks between Brighton and Manchester City broke down, Chelsea quickly jumped on the wagon and accelerated talks with the Seagulls. The Blues quickly initiated contacts for a move for Cucurella and are reportedly prepared to match the defender’s asking price.
Romano has now reported that Chelsea have agreed on personal terms with Cucurella, although the 23-year-old defender has yet to sign the proposed contract offer. He will do so when there is an agreement between the Blues and Brighton over the final transfer fee.
Chelsea and Brighton are in direct talks to complete the move as quickly as possible, allowing Thomas Tuchel to integrate the defender for the opening weekend. The Blues have been desperate for defensive reinforcements, having seen several targets snub their approaches and join continental rivals.
The likes of Jules Kounde, Matthijs de Ligt, and Nathan Ake did not fancy a move to Stamford Bridge, leaving Thomas Tuchel to target alternative options. Cucurella is by no means a finished article, but his displays for Brighton in his first season in England showed promising signs.
He will become Chelsea’s third major signing this summer after the arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling. However, Tuchel is expected to demand more signings, with the west London club continuously linked with multiple players in the market for different positions.
