Spanish defender’s preferred move comes to light amidst Chelsea interest

Transfer News: Marc Cucurella prefers a move to Manchester City rather than Chelsea

Chelsea target Marc Cucurella is keen on a move to Manchester City this summer. The Blues are still in the mix, but the Spanish fullback would prefer a move to the Premier League, according to The Athletic (Subscription Required).

Brighton will slap a price tag of close to £50m on the 23-year-old fullback. But the report suggests that City will be unwilling to spend that amount on him.

Coming through Barcelona’s youth ranks, being managed by one of the greats in Pep Guardiola could be a factor in the Brighton fullback’s decision. He is, after all, a modern-day legend for the Catalan giants.

Brighton’s player of the year made 35 appearances for the seagulls as they finished 9th in the PL. And it is obvious that his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

Will Chelsea be able to sway Cucurella?

Chelsea’s left-back position requires freshness. Ben Chilwell’s injury at the start of the season left the Blues severely shorthanded, with Marcos Alonso the only viable option.

But while the 31-year-old fullback’s attacking prowess provides an edge up front, his work in defence doesn’t instil confidence. Alonso is looking for a move back home to Spain, with Barcelona the chosen destination.

Emerson Palmieri has returned from his loan spell at Lyon. But it remains to be seen if he is content with being backup for the Englishman. With the FIFA World Cup this year, not playing regularly at club level can harm his chances of making the cut.

Cucurella prefers a move to the Etihad. But if Brighton’s demands aren’t met and the Cityzens decide to pull out from the deal, the Blues could swoop in and tempt the former Getafe man.

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Depending on Chilwell to be back at his best after an ACL injury could prove to be a risk for us and the possible signing of a competent fullback in Cucurella will provide the insurance we need.

Tried and tested in the PL, Cucurella has proven his worth under Graham Potter, so it’s not like we would be taking too big a risk by signing him- if we go through with it this summer.