Manchester City Reluctant To Exceed Valuation Of Primary Defensive Transfer Target

One of the most encouraging aspects about Manchester City’s summer business is how swiftly they have addressed a number of problem areas.

Largely operating without a striker for the past two seasons, Pep Guardiola’s side have brought in two lethal goal-scorers in Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

Additionally, Fernandinho’s return to Athletico Paranaense has led to Kalvin Phillips’ arrival as the understudy to Rodri next season.

With the Middlesborough-bound Zack Steffen’s worrying display against Liverpool in City’s FA Cup semi-final exit last term, the well-rounded Stefan Ortega is believed by many to be an upgrade on the USMNT international, as the side’s brand-new second-choice goalkeeper.

However, the long-drawn pursuit to sign Brighton's Marc Cucurella is yet to be completed.

It was previously reported that the Sky Blues were open to the sale of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who had offers to join various clubs such as Barcelona, West Ham and Leicester.

As a result, it was claimed that Etihad officials had decided to sanction the Ukrainian’s exit and bring in the Brighton left-back as his replacement back in May.

That line is only expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with the emergence of strong interest from Arsenal.

While many expected the transfer to be nearing completion during the initial speculation, it was recently revealed that the Seagulls were discussing an improved contract with Cucurella to secure his long-term future at the club.

With fans and pundits scratching their heads about whether a move will get over the line, a new update has emerged about the potential transfer.

As per a report by Graeme Bailey of 90Min, while Marc Cucurella remains Manchester City’s top priority at left-back, the club are reluctant to put in a bid in excess of £50 million to sign him.

Interestingly, it is also stated that the Premier League champions are also viewing the 23-year old from the lens of being a replacement for the Chelsea-bound Nathan Ake.

With the Spanish star rising to the challenge of operating as a centre-back in a back three for Graham Potter’s side on some occassions last term, he certainly showcased his capability of thriving in an unfamiliar role last season.

However, it was at left-back where Cucurella stood out as one of the standout players in the position.

So much so that the former Getafe defender was awarded the 2021/22 Brighton Player of the Season award.

With a fresh revelation emerging about Manchester City potentially selling Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal if their set valuation is met, it is expected that the club will go all-guns blazing to sign Marc Cucurella, despite the fact that the deal is currently stalling.