Chelsea are pushing to sign Marc Cucurella from Brighton and willing to offer a player as part of the deal.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are holding talks with Brighton to sign Marc Cucurella, as Thomas Tuchel targets the versatile defender as a priority signing. The Spaniard was heavily linked with Manchester City, but the Stamford Bridge outfit could look to close a deal fast.
In a sensational transfer twist, Chelsea entered into talks with Brighton in a bid to hijack a move for Marc Cucurella. After initiating urgent discussions for the versatile defender, the Blues are now stepping up their pursuit of the former Barcelona prospect.
Cucurella has been the top defensive target for Manchester City for a considerable time, although Brighton are not willing to accept the terms offered by the Premier League champions. However, with ambitions to play for a big club, the defender handed in a transfer request in the last few days.
The decision had no bearing on Brighton’s stance, who stand firm on their £50 million valuation of the defender. However, Manchester City are unwilling to offer beyond £40 million, which has reportedly led to a breakdown in talks between the two clubs.
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
Chelsea have sensed an opportunity and made their move to hijack a move for the Spanish defender. Chelsea’s offer to Brighton remains unknown, but they seemed to have put forward the idea of involving a player as part of the deal.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Levi Colwill could be the player, with Chelsea reportedly open to letting the defender leave if they can sign Cucurella at his expense. The Brighton star could compete with Ben Chilwell for the left wing-back spot, amid question marks over the future of Marcos Alonso.
Cucurella, after a brilliant first season in England, has been swayed away by Manchester City’s interest, as it would give him a chance to compete for trophies and play Champions League football. Chelsea can offer the same to the Spaniard. Hence, Fabrizio Romano insists personal terms could be agreed upon swiftly.
They still have to agree on a fee with Brighton and maybe include Colwill as part of the deal. From Manchester City’s perspective, there’s no further involvement, as the Premier League champions stand firm on their previous offer. And, if Cucurella agrees terms with Chelsea, Pep Guardiola’s side could call off their pursuit. and move on to other targets.
Chelsea are confident of convincing Cucurella over a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues want to conclude a deal as quickly as possible to avoid further complications and end their hoodoo in this transfer window.
Cucurella could become Chelsea’s third major signing this summer after the arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling. Tuchel has been looking for a new defender after being rejected by the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde. They are reportedly in talks with Leicester City for Wesley Fofana and Inter Milan for Denzel Dumfries. But, for now, Cucurella seems like their priority and they will push hard to complete his signing from Brighton.