**Marc Cucurella has revealed how desperate he was to complete a move to Man City back in 2022.**
[**Pep Guardiola**](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-pep-guardiola-mikel-arteta-kompany/)‘s side were very interested in snapping up the Spanish international, but they could not agree a fee with his club Brighton. Cucurella admits he was willing to do everything possible to secure his switch to the Etihad:
“They were on fire and were one of the best teams in the world. I absolutely wanted to go.”
“When they come like they did, and when Guardiola asks you to, you’ll go on your knees, if necessary. But the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement. Brighton had exorbitant demands, and it just wasn’t possible.”
Chelsea were the only ones prepared to match the asking price
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As everyone knows, Cucurella eventually ended up making the switch to Stamford Bridge, with the Blues paying an eyewatering transfer fee – £63m.
The fullback initially struggled at his new club, with many labelling him a major flop. However, over the past couple of years, he has managed to turn things around, becoming a regular starter for both club and country.
It took City three years to buy an alternative
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While the Cityzens did end up purchasing a left-back in the summer of 2022, it wasn’t really someone who was ready to play first-team football.
Sergio Gomez was a project player, having been brought in from Anderlecht for £11m, and he eventually ended up leaving for Real Sociedad two years later. In the meantime, centre-half Josko Gvardiol was asked to fill in at fullback.
The next genuine senior left-back to be signed was Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was signed from Wolves for an initial £31.8m back in June. The Algerian is competing with Nico O’Reilly for game time at the moment.
[**Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://mancitynews.com/manchester-city-first-team-squad/)