Chelsea have entered the race to sign Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella this summer, according to a new report.
Cucurella has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in recent months as Pep Guardiola eyes the addition of a left-back to his squad.
However, Brighton's reluctance to lower their £50 million valuation of the 24-year-old has jeopardised a potential switch.
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As his future hangs in the balance in the final month of transfer window, Cucurella has handed in a transfer request to accelerate a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City are believed to be unwilling to offer more than £40 million for the Catalan and are now exploring alternative options to bolster the left-back position.
The Premier League champions have already signed Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega ahead of the new campaign.
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However, after winning back-to-back league titles largely in the absence of a natural left-back, Guardiola is keen on addressing an area of the squad that has needed strengthening for many years.
Brighton have ended talks over Marc Cucurella with Manchester City and will only entertain bids upwards of £50 million for the former Getafe man.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Cucurella, who has four years remaining on his long-term contract at the Amex Stadium.
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As City circle around other options, the transfer saga could take another twist as Chelsea remain in the hunt for a new left-back amid uncertainty around Marcos Alonso's future in west London.
According to a new report by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Chelsea are exploring a move for Marc Cucurella and have asked about the Brighton defender's situation.
Whilst there is a feeling Cucurella has his heart set on joining hands with Pep Guardiola at City, a move to the Etihad Stadium has stalled over a transfer fee for the time being.
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Moreover, there is understood to be a hint of annoyance at Brighton at the nature of negotiations with officials at the Etihad Stadium.
Nathan Gissing adds Chelsea are interested in signing Cucurella, who impressed over the course of a stellar debut campaign in the south coast last term.
Under their new ownership, Chelsea have bolstered their squad with the additions of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly to mount a title challenge next season.
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Thomas Tuchel's side were also linked with each of Raphinha and Jules Kounde but were beaten to both signatures by Barcelona and Xavi.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Brighton And Hove Albion, Marc Cucurella, Transfers
Vayam Lahoti