News Focus
- Atletico Madrid have made Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella their top summer target
- Sporting Director Mateu Alemany believes Cucurella would improve their defence significantly
- The Spain international has expressed desire to return to La Liga with his family
- Chelsea face a decision as Cucurella has only two years remaining on his contract
- Barcelona remain interested but financial issues may block their move
Atletico Madrid are preparing a major bid to bring Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella back to Spain. The club’s Sporting Director, Mateu Alemany, has named the 27-year-old as his number one priority for strengthening the defence this summer.
Cucurella currently plays for Chelsea in the Premier League. He has two years left on his contract with the London club. The defender has already stated that he would welcome a return to La Liga. Earlier this season, he admitted that he thinks often about moving back to Spain with his family.
Barcelona have also watched Cucurella closely. The Catalan club would prefer a cheaper deal for Joao Cancelo instead. They might only pursue Cucurella if they sell defender Alejandro Balde for a high price. Cucurella came through Barcelona’s famous youth academy, La Masia, and has said he would find it hard to reject a return to Camp Nou.
However, Atletico Madrid look more likely to complete the signing. Alemany plans to sell Jose Maria Gimenez and Clement Lenglet first. This would free up money for wages. Dutch defender David Hancko would then play only in the centre of defence. Cucurella would replace Matteo Ruggeri at left-back.
The timing suits Atletico well. Cucurella will travel to the World Cup with Spain this summer. A strong tournament could increase his value. Chelsea may need to sell him now rather than risk losing him for less money later.