The search for Marc Cucurella’s replacement is now on. Chelsea are keen to bring in a new left-sided defender following Cucurella’s abrupt move to Real Madrid, and a Juventus star is on the table.
Cucurella’s departure was confirmed on Monday morning, just hours before he started for Spain in their first World Cup match. Cucurella earned praise from Spanish media, but Spain failed to beat Cape Verde.
RATE 1-10: Is Marc Cucurella’s exit good business by Chelsea?
Now, Chelsea are left with a gaping hole in their strongest starting XI. The type of left-back signed could now depend on whether Xabi Alonso wants to play a 3-4-2-1 system or stick with a back four at Chelsea.
Plenty have already been linked. Lewis Hall is considered a dream target, while Portuguese media claim Chelsea have opened talks for Uruguay’s World Cup goalscorer Maxi Araujo. Now, a Juventus player.
Chelsea make move to sign Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso
Chelsea have been strongly linked with 19-time Italy defender Cambiaso for a few weeks now. But in the midst of Cucurella leaving Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are seemingly taking swift action to replace him.
According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, Chelsea have now made a move to sign Cambiaso with a meeting scheduled to thrash out a deal for the left-back. Juventus are said to want around £35m for his signature.
The report goes on to say that Xabi Alonso has compiled the list, giving Chelsea the green light to push for a possible deal. However, Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit of Cambiaso in the coming weeks.
Barcelona missed out on Cucurella, as did Atletico Madrid and the report indicates both sides want to sign Cambiaso this summer. Interestingly, Inter Milan are keen to keep Cambiaso in Italian football.
Why Cambiaso is perfect for Alonso, on one condition
It remains a complete unknown what system Alonso will use when he is officially Chelsea manager. Indeed, it is unlikely to be known until the first friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella? 🫵
Andrea Cambiaso is the latest player to be linked.
Even then, Alonso may switch between two formations. But if Alonso is to play a 3-4-2-1 system, then Cambiaso would be a great signing. If he was relied upon to play left-back in a 4-2-3-1, maybe not.
The left-backs linked with Chelsea, though, suggest Alonso wants a wing-back. Cambiaso is great going forward, and certainly suits Juventus teammate and Chelsea target Dusan Vlahovic. One to watch.
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