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Atletico Madrid have made Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella a top target for the summer transfer window, according to reports in the Spanish media.
Madrid-based newspaper Marca claim that the 27-year-old is “the big goal” for Atletico, who are looking to find a solution for their problem position on the left-hand side of defence.
Cucurella is closing in on the final two years of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and there is no indication that he will put pen to paper on an extension.
A parting of ways after four years does seem increasingly likely, with a return to Spain on the cards for the left-back.
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Cucurella has other suitors
Barcelona have also been linked with the defender recently. It was reported in the Catalan press that the La Liga champions were keen on recruiting him for around €50m (£43m).
However, it does look like Barca’s interest has cooled, with Atletico now the team likeliest to table a formal bid over the coming weeks.
Manchester City have been mentioned as a potential suitor too, most likely because of Enzo Maresca’s impending arrival at the Etihad, but Cucurella appears to be more interested in returning to Spain.
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The Chelsea star spoke about his future in March
Speaking during the last international break, Cucurella said he would be keen on moving back to his homeland, although he did emphasise he wasn’t looking for an immediate return:
“Spain is always Spain. It is where I grew up and you always think about going back. But I would [prefer to] leave it for a few years down the line. I am very happy here [at Chelsea] and it is a great life experience.”
Whether the interest from Atletico will lead to Cucurella reconsidering his stance, we shall have to wait and see.
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