Manchester United among the clubs interested in Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella | OneFootball

Manchester United are among several European giants tracking Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who has reportedly told the Stamford Bridge hierarchy he wants to leave this summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 27-year-old left-back believes his time with the Blues is over and is seeking a new challenge in the current transfer window.

Chelsea are reportedly willing to grant Cucurella a fresh start if a suitor meets their financial expectations. The Blues want around €50 million for the Spanish international, a reasonable markdown from the €68 million they paid Brighton in 2022.

While Manchester United are monitoring Cucurella’s availability as they seek to bring a new left-back to Old Trafford, the Red Devils face strong competition from across Europe for a man they nearly signed in the 2023 summer window.

Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid have also tracked his situation in recent months. Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, have shown the most persistent interest in Spain, while Hansi Flick is a big admirer of Cucurella’s technical and physical attributes. The player himself dreams of a return to Camp Nou.

However, Barcelona’s main summer priority is to reinforce their attack following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, and any move for Cucurella depends on the future of Alejandro Balde.

Flick’s side cannot sign a new left-back until Balde is sold to free up space on the wage bill. As Balde lost his starting spot to Joao Cancelo late in the season, a transfer away from Camp Nou remains possible.

In the meantime, Cucurella is focused on Spain’s upcoming World Cup campaign in North America and would prefer to delay any final decision until after the tournament concludes.