Journalist Jacob Steinberg has claimed Marc Cucurella is keen on a move to Chelsea, following the Blues’ recent interest in the signing.
The Spaniard had drawn great interest from Manchester City as a potential replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko, following his move to Arsenal this summer.
However, the clubs reached a barrier when it came to the price tag, with Manchester City not willing to meet the £50m fee Brighton desired.
With Marcos Alonso set to be leaving for Barcelona, the Blues need another option to feature at left-back, with the Spaniard proving he is an exceptional talent last season, helping the Seagulls to a fantastic league finish.
The need for the position has reportedly seen the club and the owner, Todd Boehly turn their attention to Cucurella, and they will be encouraged by their chances with Steinberg confirming that the player is happy to join the Blues.
Cucurella keen on joining Chelsea
He said: “Indications are that Cucurella wants to join Chelsea. Just a case of the clubs reaching an agreement over a fee.”
The club have been keen to add defensive reinforcements to their squad before the season starts, with them hoping to complement the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly with another one or two first team stars.
With Cucurella’s attacking stats not on par with Chilwell’s from the left-back position, there is an argument that he could feature on the left of a back three, with the club still yet to sign a direct replacement for Antonio Rudiger.
The German was an attacking force from that position last season, driving the team forward on numerous occasions with the security of a back three allowing him to do so.
The 24-year-old would also be a great signing due to City looking to sign him, with them currently only having Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo as full-back options. Not allowing a direct rival the opportunity to strengthen would undoubtedly help them as they look to close the gap this season.