Atlético Madrid dream of signing Chelsea‘s Marc Cucurella in the summer.
On March 31st, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain of Atlético’s firm desire to sign the left-back. The same source stated Chelsea are refusing to sell him after this season.
That doesn’t seem to have put off the La Liga side, who continue to show interest in the 27-year-old.
Diego Simeone has Matteo Ruggeri as the only recognised left-back at his disposal. He has used the Italian, centre-back Dávid Hancko and youngster Julio Díaz on the left side of the defence this season.
Los Rojiblancos are focusing on improving that position in the upcoming window.
Chelsea star priority target
The Spanish media has been covering Atlético Madrid’s interest in Marc Cucurella.
Marca pick up on that and state the Chelsea man is the ‘top target’ for the La Liga side to strengthen the defence.
It’ll be the Madrid club’s third attempt to sign the 28-year-old in the summer. The first was in 2021, prior to his move to Brighton & Hove Albion. The deal didn’t go through due to their refusal to pay €18m.
Cucurella had confirmed Atlético’s interest in 2021. At that time, he said: “I’m a good player and they like my profile. I think these teams lacked a little confidence in me or in what I was capable of.”
Last December, his agent, Aleix Piqué, also confirmed Los Rojiblancos’ desire to sign him and El Desmarque relayed his comments.
“And it’s true that there were options to go to Atlético Madrid the same year we went to Brighton, but under different circumstances,” Piqué explained.
The second opportunity came up in 2022, when the Spain international was at Chelsea. He was offered to Atlético on loan, but they turned it down.
Marca states their left-back position has been the weakest link since Lucas Hernández and Filipe Luis left in 2019. Therefore, the Spanish giants are making the third attempt to sign Cucurella to ‘fill the void’.
Contract, value and agent info
The former Barcelona man’s contract at Chelsea runs down in 2028 and Transfermarkt value him at €50m. His price could rise if he impresses for Spain at the World Cup.
Dupla Piqué & Domínguez, owned by agents Aleix Piqué and Álvaro Domínguez, manage Marc Cucurella.
Atlético Madrid have to spend big to convince the Blues to consider selling their defender.