Updated: 1 Jun 2026 14:21 BST | 4 min read
Xabi Alonso, Chelsea
© IMAGO
Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer
Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is willing to leave the club this summer amid transfer interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Spain international was critical of Chelsea’s strategy back in March" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/03/chelsea-news-marc-cucurella-todd-boehly-behdad-eghbali-clearlake-capital-blueco-enzo-maresca-interview" target="_blank">The Spain international was critical of Chelsea’s strategy back in March and he has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland in recent months, with rumours of a transfer intensifying since the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Cucurella, who will turn 28 years old in July, has played a key role for the Blues since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of €65.3 million in 2022, but he is one of several stars who could depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
This has been confirmed by The Athletic" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7321218/2026/06/01/marc-cucurella-chelsea-sale-transfer-news/" target="_blank">The Athletic, who report that Cucurella is willing to leave Chelsea following their 10th place finish in the Premier League. Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid all want to sign him, and the Spaniard is open to returning to La Liga before the summer transfer window closes.
It’s reported that incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso wants to keep Cucurella at the club next season and has already held talks with the player ahead of his arrival. However, he is aware of his compatriot’s desire to explore a transfer away.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have both contacted Chelsea officials about a possible deal, while Real Madrid appreciate Cucurella, although it remains to be seen if they will act on their interest.
Manchester City have also been linked, with ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca set to take over, but a move to the Etihad Stadium is unlikely to take place due to the presence of Nico O’Reilly.
In addition to Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez is also eager to leave Chelsea this summer, amid rumoured interest from Real Madrid, while the 2021 Champions League winners are keen to sanction the sales of Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Benoit Badiashile, Tyrique George, Axel Disasi, and several others.
Marc Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea
© IMAGO - Marc Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea
Analysis: Could Marc Cucurella leave Chelsea this summer?
Cucurella will be 28 years old when the 2026-27 season kicks off and although Alonso is reportedly keen to retain his services, it’s understandable why Chelsea would consider a sale.
His form has dipped since the departure of Enzo Maresca in January and in the form of Jorrel Hato, Chelsea have already signed a suitable replacement for Cucurella if he does depart.
Furthermore, if Alonso opts to deploy the 3-4-3 system that he favoured to great success at Bayer Leverkusen, there isn’t an obvious home for the Spain international. He isn’t particularly well suited to playing as a wide centre-back and his skillset isn’t ideal to play a wing-back role either.
As a result, Chelsea would be wise to at least consider a sale if a suitable offer arrives, although they would be losing one of very few experienced players currently at the club.
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