Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea close to hijack deal in next hour, as Blues include player to sign £50M star
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is considering a last-minute move for defender Marc Cucurella of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The two Premier League clubs will engage in “direct talks” to discuss financial and personal arrangements for the Spaniard, according to Romano. The deal might possibly include Blues defender Levi Colwill.
The 24-year-old has already signed to personal terms with the English champions and has been strongly linked to Manchester City. However, the Seagulls, who value the center-back at £50 million, turned down the Cityzens’ £40 million offer for the Spaniard.
Despite the Spaniard’s transfer request, a transfer price deal has not yet been achieved.
Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, who departed Cobham earlier this summer, must be replaced defensively, and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is in desperate need of replacements.
The situation facing the German manager has been worse because Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt were not signed as transfer targets. Additionally, Tuchel will have to deal with the likely departures of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
According to Transfermarkt, Cucurella has made 96 games as a left-back during the course of his career. For the London team’s current wing-back, Ben Chilwell, who missed the majority of the 2021-22 season due to injury, he might offer some much-needed coverage.
Romano claims that City won’t change their first approach, forcing the 24-year-old to weigh his choices. The Spanish center-back might end up moving to Stamford Bridge at the moment.
Chelsea are pushing to hijack Marc Cucurella deal! Direct talk today with Brighton – Levi Colwill could be part of the negotiation. ?? #CFC
Personal terms negotiation, in the next hours. Man City will not improve last bid: £40m, rejected by Brighton.
First call @CraigHope_DM pic.twitter.com/Md7hJpAFkU— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2022