Enzo Maresca eyeing Manchester City reunion with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella – Barcelona & Atletico Madrid also interested | OneFootball

Manchester City are one of several clubs interested in Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella as Enzo Maresca prepares to become the club’s next manager, as per reports. 

Pep Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad Stadium following the final game of the Premier League season last weekend has ignited an array of strong opinions on who City should appoint as the Catalan’s successor.

While the likes of Vincent Kompany and Luis Enrique were in conversations of potential candidates, Maresca’s previous roles in the City Academy have put him firmly in the driver’s seat for the job, with an announcement expected in the near future.

The Italian head coach spent one year as Guardiola’s right-hand man in the 2022/23 season where the club won their first ever UEFA Champions League title and subsequent Treble following additional success in the Premier League and FA Cup. 

There is a lot of movement expected in the upcoming summer window for City given the exits of John Stones and captain Bernardo Silva, while potential sales are being considered for Tijjani Reijnders and Savinho. 

City have given plenty of thought towards the signings of midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson as well, who are both valued at £80 million and £120 million respectively.

It is likely that Cucurella – who has made 163 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 – will be a target for Maresca ahead of the 2025/26 season if he is appointed as Guardiola’s successor.

But, according to multiple sources, La Liga sides Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also monitoring the Spain international’s situation and are weighing up whether to make an approach.

A proficient and relentless defender, Cucurella may still have to fight for a place in City’s starting squad given Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Ait-Nouri’s influence, but it could transpire that Maresca prefers his former player instead.

The 27-year-old is thought to be reaching his prime years and although his talent has already warranted the interest from multiple parties, an eye-catching 2026 FIFA World Cup could well convince those involved to put in a bid. 

Cucurella has an estimated market value of around £40 million. For City, this is certainly affordable due to the fact they finished second in the Premier League and achieved UEFA Champions League qualification again. 

Barcelona, however, may find it hard to prioritise the defender’s signature given their window so far; Hansi Flick’s side have already signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69.3 million and are hunting down former City star Julian Alvarez for over £100 million.