When Xabi Alonso takes office on July 1, the new manager will have plenty of things to sort out as the latest Chelsea manager. One situation that requires a resolution is Marc Cucurella’s future.
The left-back is currently at the World Cup with Spain, with his Chelsea future in the balance. The player’s future has come under the microscope ever since he confirmed he would consider joining Barcelona.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella?
He hasn't ruled out a Chelsea exit…
Cucurella has now been at Chelsea for four years, joining the club from Brighton in the summer of 2022. A transfer that only occurred because Todd Boehly knew Manchester City wanted to sign the left-back.
Four years down the line, Cucurella could leave Chelsea with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Man City and Man United all linked with signing the left-back. Ashley Cole has given Alonso some advice.
Ashley Cole tells Xabi Alonso to keep Marc Cucurella
Discussing Cucurella’s future, with some reports even suggesting that Cucurella has told Chelsea he wants to leave by the end of the summer, Stamford Bridge icon Cole said he believes Alonso has to keep him.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, both Ashley and Joe Cole were discussing all things Chelsea. Despite the form of Jorrel Hato, Ashley Cole believes Alonso should keep Cucurella in West London ahead of the deadline.
“I came from Arsenal to Chelsea and I didn’t perform straightaway. There was pressure and expectation. Now, Cucurella is someone you should keep. He’s a top performer. I’m not in the dressing room.
“I don’t know the noise. But if the club want to go forward, you have to keep your top players. “Hato has performed well when he’s had the opportunity. But why not keep a top competitive squad to compete?
“You’re going to be constantly chasing the next one. You sell Cucurella, Hato plays, but then you need a solution as a back-up to him, so who will that be?”, Cole said, urging Alonso and Chelsea to keep him.
What Marc Cucurella has said about his Chelsea future this week
Many were perplexed as to why Chelsea had banned Enzo Fernandez for two weeks during the break, but had not dished out the same punishment for Cucurella, when he so openly admitted he would join Barca.
Chelsea fans, it’s time to have a discussion about Marc Cucurella…
Not good enough for Nottingham Forest's opener!
But this is a side where he spent forging his career, building the base of the foundations at La Masia. Man City and Man United could keep him in England, but it is apparent that a return to Spain is what he wants.
Atletico Madrid want a loan deal, which may put Diego Simeone’s side out of the race. But there is every chance that Cucurella remains at Chelsea. Cucurella has said that he has actually spoken to Alonso.
“Yes. I’ve spoken with him [Alonso], he really inspired a lot of confidence in me. I also spoke to Grimaldo about him, and Borja too, and they spoke very highly of him. So, the project… It could be a good thing.”
Cucurella has a contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2029, and as things stand, he will be staying put. But interest in the defender is likely to grow and a decision will be made when the World Cup is over.
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