Gabriel Gudmundsson in action for Leeds, with Xabi Alonso in a circular inset
Gabriel Gudmundsson in action for Leeds, with Xabi Alonso in a circular inset
Published on:
Cucurella made a £51.8million move to Real Madrid last month, leaving the Blues short of options at left-back and scrambling to identify a replacement in the market.
The Leeds United left-back enjoyed an outstanding first season in the Premier League after joining from Lille last summer, and has now caught the eye of watching scouts.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Xabi Alonso was "frustrated" by Cucurella's sale and is now determined to land a replacement.
Gudmundsson is one of a number of targets now on the boss' radar, and Chelsea could now look to test Leeds' resolve and tempt one of their best players away.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong first season at Elland Road, before impressing at the World Cup, and could now be targeted by Alonso and his side.
Could Chelsea make a move to sign Gabriel Gudmundsson?
Football Insider revealed on 5 July that Leeds are bracing to receive offers for Gudmundsson and are aware of growing interest in his situation after an impressive season.
Chelsea are one of multiple clubs believed to be keeping tabs on the Sweden international's situation, and they could now make a move to test their rivals' resolve.
There are a number of left-backs on the Blues' radar this summer, and where Gudmundsson ranks among them is unclear, but he is now an option for Alonso.
"Xabi Alonso was left frustrated by Cucurella's exit, he didn't want him to leave," Brown told Football Insider.
"But it's something Chelsea decided was the right decision, and now they've been forced into the market to go and sign a left-back, when that wasn't oringianlly part of the plans.
"The recruitment team have been working to identify options, so when you've got somebody like Gudmundsson who has impressed in the Premier League, he's going to be a target.
"Chelsea will be aware of him, of course, after coming up against him and he had a very good season for Leeds, so he'll be attracting interest.
"He won't be the only one they're looking at though, so whether or not they'll be ready to make a move is uncertain, but if he becomes available they will be well aware.
"A lot will depend on how Leeds feel as well, and I would be surprised if they were willing to let one of their better players go to Chelsea."
How do Leeds feel about selling Gudmundsson?
Despite growing interest from Chelsea and other Premier League rivals, the left-back's future will largely depend on whether or not Leeds are willing to see him leave.
Gudmundsson made the move to Elland Road in a £10million deal last year, and is under contract there until 2029, placing them in a very strong position.
Football Insider revealed on 5 July that Leeds are planning to block any offers for Gudmundsson as he remains a crucial part of Daniel Farke's long-term plans.
The boss has spoken openly about his ambitions for the future, and keeping his best players at Elland Road is set to be key to any progress they make.
After securing survival in their first season back in the top flight, Leeds are now keen to build on their progress, with new additions a priority rather than sales.