Manchester United eye shock move for another Chelsea star after Cole Palmer links | OneFootball

Old Trafford could yet be surprise alternative destination for Blues regular this summer

Cucurella remains an important figure at Stamford Bridge as the first-choice left-back, a role which should continue to be his under the leadership of new head coach and compatriot Xabi Alonso.

However, the player’s future at Chelsea has been subject to speculation over recent months, despite him remaining contracted until the summer of 2029.

Barcelona are known to be long-term admirers of Cucurella, a graduate of the Blaugrana’s famous ‘La Masia’ academy who was previously a key player for Barcelona B and made one appearance at first-team level before joining LaLiga rivals Eibar and later Getafe.

According to new reports from Mundo Deportivo, Cucurella wants to go back to Barcelona, but understands that it may not be possible in the short-term with a potential move said to be dependent on the exit of fellow Spain left-back Alejandro Balde.

Moving on? Marc Cucurella’s time at Chelsea may be coming to an end this summer

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Barca, having already signed England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a deal worth an initial £69.3million, are also said to be focusing now primarily on securing a new striker to replace veteran Robert Lewandowski, who is leaving the club after four years upon the expiration of his contract.

Mundo claim that Cucurella has told Chelsea of his desire to move on, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich also said to have been closely monitoring a player who is reported to be valued by his current club at between €40million and €50m (£43m).

Cucurella is currently away with Spain ahead of the World Cup in North America, though did not play in an initial warm-up friendly against Iraq in A Coruna last weekend as head coach Luis de la Fuente declined to risk a number of key players due to fitness concerns.

La Roja face Peru in another friendly in Puebla, Mexico on Monday before beginning their Group C campaign against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15.

Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer of 2022 for a fee in excess of £60m, initially criticised for his performances before going on to establish himself as a key player, so far scoring nine goals and registering 13 assists in 163 appearances across all competitions.

He is not the only Chelsea star to be linked with a shock transfer to Manchester United this summer, with ex-Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer previously rumoured to be targeted for a return to his home city after a difficult season disrupted by injury.