Chelsea have contacted Brighton over defender Marc Cucurella after talks with Manchester City stalled over the asking price, according to reports.
The 24-year-old made the switch to the south coast last summer from Getafe, signing a five-year contract, but following a successful first season in the Premier League, he has caught the attention of big clubs.
Manchester City are extremely keen on the left-back and have been in talks with the Seagulls for several weeks, but have been told Cucurella will cost £50 million if he is to leave after just one season at the club.
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Pep Guardiola’s side have threatened to walk away from a deal after offering around £35 million for the Spaniard, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
Following City’s failure to complete a deal, currently, it has caught Chelsea’s attention and they are now exploring a possible deal for the defender having made contact with Brighton.
Chelsea are looking to replace Marcos Alonso should he leave to Barcelona this summer. No deal has been given the green light yet as Thomas Tuchel’s side look to bring in additions before sanctioning any defensive exits.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about their pursuit of Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta last month, telling CBS Sports: “They are under contract at Chelsea and we respect this as well as the new owner. I don't want to talk about players who belong to other teams.
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“I respect Cesar and Marcos as footballers. They are very, very good players. They show their quality and talent at Chelsea.
“But I don't want to talk about them as a matter of respect for Chelsea.”
However, for Chelsea, Cucurella is ‘extremely keen’ on a move to the Etihad to work under Pep Guardiola and play for the Premier League champions.
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As reported by Nathan Gissing, potential swap deals have been discussed internally.
Other targets Denzel Dumfries and Wesley Fofana are being pursued by the Blues as they look to strengthen their defence.
Chelsea have already been told by Brendan Rodgers that Fofana isn’t for sale this summer.
“He’s not for sale,” insisted the Leicester City boss.
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"He still has lots of improvements to make.
"He’s very happy here, he really enjoys being here.”
Fabrizio Romano adds Chelsea are hoping to hijack the deal for Cucurella and will hold direct talks with the Seagulls on Monday over the fee and which players could be used as part of a deal.
Topics: Marc Cucurella, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brighton And Hove Albion, Football, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Matthew Debono