The latest on Chelsea's transfer plans to replace Marc Cucurella this summer with the Spain international departing to join Real Madrid on a six-year contract
15:31, 15 Jun 2026Updated 15:38, 15 Jun 2026
Marc Cucurella
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Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport)
Chelsea are targeting at least two starting-level defenders this summer following the departure of Marc Cucurella to join Real Madrid, football.london understands.
The Blues will look to add two ready-made players to Xabi Alonso's defensive options in time for the new season after Cucurella ended his four-year Blues tenure on Monday morning, with Los Blancos announcing the £51.7million (£47.4m fixed plus £4.3m in add-ons) deal.
Cucurella informed Chelsea of his desire to leave recently, with sources now saying the decision was down to personal and family reasons.
The Blues then worked with Cucurella and his entourage to try and find the best solution for all parties. Real Madrid came in late following interest from their La Liga rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and got the deal done extremely quickly, with Jose Mourinho determined to add the left-back to his new squad.
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Chelsea insiders have expressed the club's delight with the financial aspect of the deal. Given Cucurella is 27 and had three years remaining on his contract, there is a belief the Blues got significant value in the transfer market - and also extremely early on in the summer window.
Alonso, who begins his role as Chelsea manager on July 1, will work collaboratively with the club's five sporting directors this summer to source a replacement for Cucurella, while also searching for a new centre-back. Sources say bringing two new defenders to the club will help Alonso settle in and compete for major honours over a long-term period.
Even with the versatile Valentin Barco, who can provide cover at left-back, coming in from Strasbourg, Chelsea are seeking another option for that side of the defence. Saying that, Blues chiefs are delighted with how Netherlands international Jorrel Hato has progressed since the turn of the year.
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Hato's form in 2026 was a big contributing factor in Chelsea allowing Cucurella to move on this summer. After making just nine appearances in all competitions from August to the end of December, Hato, who is still only 20 years old, has featured 27 times for Chelsea in 2026.