Chelsea close to hijacking Manchester City’s transfer for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella after agreeing to meet £50m asking price… with talks accelerating over the past 24 hours
- Chelsea close to beating Manchester City to signing of defender Marc Cucurella
- The Blues have agreed to meet Brighton’s £50million valuation in past 24 hours
- City were in pole position to sign the left-back but were hesitant over price tag
- Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been mooted with a move to Brighton in deal
Chelsea are close to hijacking Manchester City’s move for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella after agreeing to meet the £50million asking price.
MailOnline revealed yesterday morning that the Blues were attempting to steal in after City refused to offer more than £40m for the Spaniard.
Talks have accelerated over the past 24 hours and it is now expected that Cucurella will complete a switch to Stamford Bridge, where Thomas Tuchel could use him as a left wing-back or on the left of a back three.
Chelsea close to signing Marc Cucurella after agreeing to meet Brighton’s £50m valuation
The Brighton defender attracted interest from Manchester City earlier in the summer window
The 24-year-old handed in a transfer request last week in a bid to force through a move to City and there was a feeling the Barcelona academy graduate had his heart set on working with Pep Guardiola.
However, Chelsea were given encouragement that Cucurella was interested in their club over the weekend and it is thought personal terms will not now be an issue.
His anticipated arrival will likely see Marcos Alonso leave for Barcelona.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been mooted as part of the Cucurella deal with the Seagulls
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has also been mooted as part of the Cucurella deal with Brighton keen on the 19-year-old.
Cucurella only joined the Seagulls from Getafe for £15m last summer but impressed during his debut season, prompting the interest from City.
However, we understand there was some annoyance on Brighton’s part at the nature of City’s approach and talks with Chelsea have progressed far more smoothly.
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