Man United emerge as transfer threat to Man City in pursuit of unsettled Chelsea defender | OneFootball

Manchester United have emerged as Manchester City’s newest opponents in the race to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella this summer, as per a recent report.

The 27-year-old joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion on a six-year contract for a reported fee of £63 million in 2022.

After spending four seasons at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard has reportedly expressed his desire to part ways with the club ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Following Pep Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad Stadium after 10 illustrious years, former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been heavily speculated to be the Catalan’s successor at City.

Considering their previous association at the London club, a possible reunion between the Italian manager and the left-back at Manchester City has been widely reported to be on the cards.

Report: Manchester archrivals interested in €40-50 million-rated Chelsea star

Manchester United and Manchester City are keen on securing the services of Cucurella, with Chelsea open to the defender’s departure for a suitable price, according to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness.

Given the hefty price tag he came with, which was a club-record sale for Brighton, Chelsea would consider selling the 2024 Euro winner for an offer in the range of €40-50 million (£34.5-£43.2 million).

Manchester United have been on the search for a new left-back for a while now and have struggled to find a long-term option in that position.

While Luke Shaw’s previous injury woes have subsided, the lack of a successor in the role adds risks, especially with their return to Champions League football for next season, Tyrell Malacia‘s departure, and Patrick Dorgu‘s switch to left wing.

Cucurella has also attracted interest from his boyhood club Barcelona and their domestic rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

While the La Masia graduate is open to a return to Camp Nou, the Catalan side reportedly have plans to strengthen other areas in the squad and will only consider this potential move if Alejandro Balde were to depart.

The Blaugrana have already signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69.3 million and are heavily linked to make a move for Julian Alvarez for over £100 million, making their chances of pursuing Cucurella in this transfer window less probable.

The aforementioned report also suggested that, while all three Spanish giants are closely monitoring his situation, Atletico Madrid have been the most persistent in his pursuit.

What’s next for Marc Cucurella?

Cucurella started in 43 out of the 50 appearances he has made for Chelsea across competitions in the recent season, recording one goal and four assists.

Overall, he has featured in a total of 163 matches during which he netted nine goals and provided 13 assists while winning the one Conference League title and one FIFA Club World Cup with the West London club.

While his exit from Stamford Bridge this summer is highly anticipated, the defender is currently focused on the upcoming World Cup, and a decision about his future will come to light after the tournament.