Chelsea star Marc Cucurella is keen on leaving the Premier League side in the summer.
Last month, Sport Witness covered a front page report from Spain of Barcelona’s interest in their former player.
The same source stated he wants exit after turmoil at Chelsea following Enzo Maresca’s departure in January. Atlético Madrid are also in the running to sign the 27-year-old.
On Thursday, we relayed news that Los Rojiblancos identified the left-back as the top defensive target.
They failed to sign him before he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 and turned down an opportunity to sign him on loan a year later.
Interest in Chelsea player backed up
Friday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo also report Atlético Madrid are keen on signing Marc Cucurella and made him their main target.
Chelsea invested £56m [€65m] plus bonuses to sign the fullback from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022.
After overcoming initial difficulties, he’s been a regular at Stamford Bridge and also for the national team.
The Blues are likely to request around €50m, but the Madrid club aren’t giving up. There are factors why the Spain international is the ‘absolute priority’ for Diego Simeone’s side.
The first reason is that Atlético have the finances to carry out this deal. The second is the former Barcelona man wants to return to Spain in the summer.
These ‘two important factors’ could convince the La Liga side to seriously make a move.
A move to Madrid appeals Cucurella, but it won’t be easy for him to change clubs. Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new permanent manager for next season.
Mundo state the incoming Blues boss wants to count on his compatriot. While the price and competition can be a concern, Alonso is the ‘biggest obstacle’ for Atlético.
Chelsea already took action
Although Xabi Alonso wants to retain Marc Cucurella, the Blues have already worked on a potential replacement.
On March 22nd, Sport Witness exclusively revealed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur made contact for Maxi Araújo. He’s likely to leave Sporting in the summer for around €45-50m.
If the Spaniard were to leave, Araújo can be an option to replace him.