Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella as personal terms are not an issue, according to reports.
It was previously revealed that Chelsea had informed Brighton that they are ready to pay their £50 million valuation for the Spaniard in the coming days, looking to beat Manchester City to the signing.
The Citizen’s are yet to meet Brighton’s valuation after initially making an offer of £40 million for the wing-back.
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Chelsea are keen to bring new signings in ahead of their Premier League opening match against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Discussions have been held over a transfer for the 24-year-old, who impressed for Graham Potter’s side last season.
It has now been revealed that the Blues are closing in on sealing the transfer of the Brighton star.
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As reported by Craig Hope for The Daily Mail, Chelsea are close to hijacking the deal for Cucurella after agreeing to pay £50 million.
Talks have accelerated for Cucurella within the last day, with Chelsea proposing a potential deal for Levi Colwill as part of the transfer.
It is now expected that Cucurella will join Thomas Tuchel’s side, with the manager keen to bring the wing-back to the club as soon as possible.
Cucurella is said to have handed in a formal transfer request last week, with the Blues given encouragement that he was interested in the move to London.
Furthermore, it is thought that personal terms will not be an issue as he is keen to move to Stamford Bridge.
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Matt Law of The Daily Telegraph confirmed reports, stating that contracts were being exchanged and reviewed on Monday with a view to finalising his transfer to Chelsea.
Tuchel was said to be keen on adding a left-footed defensive option to his squad, with Cucurella being able to play on the left of a back three and also at wing-back.
This is where Tuchel plans to play the defender, as Tuchel is a fan of his versatility as he looks for defensive options this summer.
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The arrival of Cucurella is said to open the door for Malang Sarr to depart on loan, while Marcos Alonso could be granted a transfer to Barcelona.
Emerson Palmieri and Ben Chilwell are the current left wing-back options at Stamford Bridge, with the Italy international more likely to depart out of the pair.
It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will make further additions to their squad alongside Cucurella, with the latest reports revealing that a deal for Gabriel Slonina of Chicago fire has been struck as he looks to join the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Marc Cucurella, Brighton And Hove Albion, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms