Report: Atletico Madrid ‘considering’ £35m move to sign Chelsea star | OneFootball

Atlético Make First Move as Chelsea Assess Future of In-Form Full Back

Cucurella’s Rise and La Liga Interest

Football rarely offers linear stories, but the journey of Chelsea’s Spanish full back Marc Cucurella has come close. At 27, he is described by Fichajes as living “the best moment of his career”, established as a standout figure for club and country. His mixture of intensity, defensive intelligence and clear attacking contribution has placed him among “the most complete full backs on the international scene”.

Photo IMAGO

It is little surprise that Atlético Madrid have made Cucurella their “great desire”, with the Spanish club exploring scenarios to complete what they consider a strategic signing. He has excelled since adapting to Premier League rhythm and physicality, and Fichajes note that this transition has been “key to his definitive explosion”.

Chelsea Enjoy Peak Performance

Chelsea’s internal view is equally clear. Since the Club World Cup triumph, the club consider him “an indispensable asset for the sporting rebuild”, with his consistency helping stabilise a squad that entered the season with high expectations. His performances in high level matches have reinforced the belief that he now sits confidently among Europe’s elite in his position.

Figures within the club value his professionalism, maturity and the influence he exerts in a dressing room increasingly shaped by quiet leaders rather than outspoken personalities. As one internal source put it, “his impact goes far beyond the role of a defender”.

Atlético’s Ambition and Apollo Factor

Atlético Madrid have monitored his evolution for months, convinced that his profile fits perfectly with the tactical demands of Diego Simeone. Fichajes report that the club believe “his intensity fits perfectly with the team’s requirements”, and that strengthening the left side has become a priority due to mixed performances this season.

Sources close to Atlético suggest the arrival of investment from Apollo could enable “a high level signing to cover priority needs”. A first offer of “around 40 million euros” has been discussed, although Fichajes indicate Chelsea may reject that figure based on current valuation and form.

Photo IMAGO

The prospect of recruiting a player already consolidated at the top level appears particularly appealing to Atlético as they seek a competitive leap.

A Player Entering His Prime

Marc Cucurella’s growth stems from sustained evolution, built on discipline, adaptability and tactical learning. His experience across different systems allows him to function effectively in a back four or more attack-minded structures, making him one of the most flexible left sided defenders available.

Fichajes underline that he has earned the respect of “coaches and analysts who highlight his reliability in high tension scenarios”. This reliability, along with his maturity, has sparked interest across Europe.

Open Future and Rising Market Value

Next summer could prove pivotal. While Chelsea will listen to proposals, they will only consider those that “reflect the value of an established international with immediate performance”. Atlético believe this is the ideal moment to attempt his signing before other clubs join the pursuit, yet they acknowledge the operation “will not be simple”.

Whether he stays or moves, the defender approaches a defining phase of his career, and Fichajes suggest he is “a candidate to feature in one of the major moves of the market”.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Marc Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s most reliable and mature performers. This report will cause alarm because losing him now, when the squad is still establishing stability, feels like a risk the club cannot afford.

Supporters will appreciate that Atlético’s interest is logical. His intensity, tactical discipline and workrate make him an ideal fit for Simeone. But from a Chelsea perspective, that is precisely why the idea of a sale is unsettling. The club have spent two years trying to rebuild consistency on the flanks, and he has finally brought that blend of maturity and reliability that young recruits still lack.

The mention of a “40 million euro” offer feels low for a player in his prime, especially given current market trends. Fans will expect Chelsea to push back firmly. Many are still frustrated by past sales that felt premature, and would not want to see another established performer depart without a clear upgrade lined up.

There is also concern about squad leadership. As the article notes, he is valued for his “silent leadership”, something the dressing room has lacked in recent seasons. Removing that influence could damage continuity just as the team begins to settle.

Most Chelsea supporters would agree: unless a vastly superior offer arrives or an elite replacement is secured, this is not the moment to cash in. Stability matters, and he has become central to it.