Marc Cucurella continues to be linked with an exit from Chelsea after four years in West London, and that means Xabi Alonso may have to sign a new left-sided defender.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and even Real Madrid have been linked with Cucurella in recent weeks. It all comes after his comments during the March break, in which he suggested he is willing to join Barcelona.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella?
He hasn't ruled out a Chelsea exit…
Marc Cucurella discussing his future
A product of the La Masia academy, Spain international Cucurella is busy preparing for Spain’s 2026 World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15, after two friendlies against both Iraq and Peru.
But with Chelsea refusing to rule out the sale of Cucurella, Alonso may have to replace him. Reports in Italy claim the Blues have identified a replacement for the former Brighton star, in a Juventus defender.
Chelsea are interested in Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Chelsea are keeping an eye on 19-time Italy star Andrea Cambiaso. Since joining Juventus in 2022, Cambiaso’s reputation has grown in the sphere of Italian football.
After a loan at Genoa in 2022-23, Cambiaso has since been first choice for Juventus over the last three seasons. Able to play left-back, wing-back or even left wing, he’s had a hand in 25 goals in 132 games.
Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus Fc gestures during the Serie A
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images
Last summer, Man City made an offer of £56m to sign Cambiaso, but a move never materialised. Juve were in a better negotiating position back then and kept Cambiaso. This time, Juventus may need to sell.
Like Chelsea, Juventus failed to reach the Champions League. Cambiaso is no longer indispensable and the report suggests clubs can sign him for a fee between £36m and £45m. He has a contract until 2029.
Chelsea are not the only side interested in Andrea Cambiaso
The Blues do have cover for Cucurella in the form of Jorrel Hato, who was arguably Chelsea’s best player during the last few weeks of the season. But that form came while Hato was playing in the middle.
Chelsea fans, it’s time to have a discussion about Marc Cucurella…
Not good enough for Nottingham Forest's opener!
Marc Cucurella of Chelsea
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
According to the same report, Chelsea may have competition in the race for Cambiaso. Cesc Fabregas’ Como have asked about Cambiaso, while Barcelona also made an enquiry for the left-back last month.
It all hinges on Cucurella. If Chelsea have to sell the Spain star, then Cambiaso would be a no-brainer as a replacement. If Cucurella ignores the interest, which seems unlikely, then there is no need for Cambiaso.
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