Chelsea may have to sign a replacement for Marc Cucurella this summer, with his future currently in doubt.
It has been reported that Marc Cucurella will consider a Chelsea exit in the next transfer window if he receives a serious offer as the defender approaches the final two years of his contract.
In terms of who could succeed him in the left-back position, Chelsea have been linked with a few names, including one player whose stock is really on the rise.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella?
He hasn't ruled out a Chelsea exit…
Maxi Araujo’s versatility has made him extremely valuable
Sporting’s Maxi Araujo is thought to be of interest to Chelsea, with the 26-year-old highly regarded in the game right now.
According to CaughtOffside, Araujo is being viewed as an “increasingly valuable asset” because of his ability to play at left-back and left wing-back so efficiently.
Chelsea are keen on Araujo and he has an €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract, CaughtOffside’s report also states.
If Cucurella does depart Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea could always make Jorrel Hato their first-choice left-back and buy someone cheaper than Araujo to provide cover for the Dutchman.
Hato has been one of Chelsea’s best players in the second half of the season and was unfortunate to be left out of the Blues’ starting XI for their FA Cup semi-final clash against Leeds United.
Calum McFarlane explained his decision to drop Hato, preferring Tosin Adarabioyo’s height for the occasion. While Hato was signed as a left-back, he can also play in central defence and has been starting there lately.
Maxi Araujo’s attacking stats this season
Last term, Cucurella was easily one of the best attacking left-backs in the world, but he has not been as much of a threat in the current campaign, especially compared to Araujo.
In the Portuguese league, Araujo has scored four goals and provided three assists in 26 games. According to WhoScored, the Uruguayan is also making one key pass per match.
As for Cucurella, he has only scored one goal in the Premier League this season, though the Spain international does have the same number of assists as Araujo.
Of course, Araujo has also played as a left wing-back and left winger, so his attacking numbers should be better.
Whatever the case, Araujo is a talented left-sided player whose value continues to go up.
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