Manchester City Hold Transfer Fee Belief In Marc Cucurella Chase

Since Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City was completed, the club’s reported pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion full-back Marc Cucurella has grabbed the majority of the headlines surrounding potential transfer activity.

One of the most recent revelations involving the Spaniard came via Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the Premier League champions had earmarked the left-back as a replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

There has been an understanding some quarters that the aforementioned Ukrainian international has been allowed to leave the club this summer, should the right offer for both player and team arrive — a decision that was made back in May.

With City seeming unflustered about bidding farewell to such a key asset in Zinchenko several fans have questioned the reasons behind the aggressive chase towards signing Marc Cucurella.

While Manchester City supporters need no introduction about the 23-year old’s tremendous quality, many continue to scratch their heads about what the club hierarchy believe the former Getafe defender could bring to a virtually flawless side next season.

A fresh update has emerged that breaks down why the blue side of Manchester are so insistent on the La Masia graduate’s arrival in the summer.

Marc Cucurella is on Manchester City and Chelsea's radar

As per a report from Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, Pep Guardiola is eyeing the addition of a ‘conventional’ left-back this summer.

As a result, Manchester City officials are now ‘determined’ to complete the signing of Marc Cucurella ahead of next season.

While Brighton are said to ‘want’ £50 million to sanction the sale of their most recent Players’ Player of The Season, Manchester City ‘believe’ a £40 million would prove ‘enough’ to get the deal over the line, according to the report.

Additionally, it has been claimed that the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United are also ‘interested’ in the highly-rated defender, but the player’s ‘first-choice’ remains a move to East Manchester.

Considering Manchester City are targeting Cucurella as the ideal candidate to fulfil the role of a traditional left-back, it was interestingly reported that Pep Guardiola does not consider Cancelo as a ‘natural fit’ in the position.

This comes despite the Portugal international's remarkable displays in his unnatural position last season.

Joao Cancelo signed a contract extension with Man City earlier this year (News Images / Alamy)

It is key to remember that unlike the 2021/22 season in which City operated with a false nine system, striker Erling Haaland’s arrival brings a culmination of impeccable movement and physical threat to this side.

Some believe that this new threat in the forward line could signal the start of a more direct approach going forward next term.

With Marc Cucurella’s pinpoint delivery, incredible chance creation and marauding runs down the flank, Manchester City have perhaps identified the ideal left-back for their newfound attacking plan of action next season.

Elsewhere, Manchester City's remaining transfer activity is likely to lead them to Kalvin Phillips.

The Leeds United star has been identified by the Premier League champions as the ideal replacement for the recently departed Fernandinho - who left the club after nine-years of service to the Etihad Stadium.

However, with a £60 million price tag reportedly on the Englishman's head, City may look at alternative ways of driving down such a fee, including offering academy prospects to Elland Road.