Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is lined up to take over from Pep Guardiola as Manchester City boss, and he could look to bring Marc Cucurella with him to the Etihad.
It has been the worst kept secret in football that City had admiration for Maresca, even when he was still in the hotseat at Stamford Bridge.
This was reportedly one of the factors which brought about friction between the Italian and the board, eventually leading to his departure from the club on New Year’s Day.
It’s going to be a big summer for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea!
Xabi Alonso graphic
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Man City very keen on signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea
Since leaving Chelsea, Maresca has spoken of his admiration for Marc Cucurella, who has remained a crucial player for Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane since.
There are still talks about a potential move away this summer though. Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been credited as interested in signing him.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
However, Simon Phillips has stated that despite the desire for the two Spanish sides to sign him, he would be more wary of City making a move to bring him in.
He said on his Substack: “At the moment, I’d say watch Man City more than those two, but yes, this is true.”
City have also been linked with signing Enzo Fernandez, another player who previously thrived with Maresca in charge.
What is ONE law you would change or introduce in football?👀
Stop the clock rather than additional time like in Rugby!
Marc Clattenburg on Marc Cucurella incident during Spurs vs Chelsea
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Chelsea’s Cucurella crossroads
At this stage, Cucurella has just two years left on his contract, and is one of the oldest players in the current first team squad.
There is likely a discussion going on upstairs at Stamford Bridge as to whether the Blues want to offer him his last big contract at the top level of European football.
Their decision may have been made harder by the strong form of Jorrel Hato in the second half of the season, even if this has been predominantly in a central position.
The Blues have been linked with signing Lewis Hall back to the club after he has progressed greatly during his time at Newcastle.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox