Following Fabrizio Romano’s report that a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s £50 million defender Marc Cucurella to move to Chelsea had been completed the club moved to issue a statement on Twitter denying the report.
Romano is reporting that a bid worth “more than £50m” is on the table with personal terms already agreed with the player. However, Simon Stone, of BBC Sport, has been resolute that Brighton do not want to sell the player and this is a “hard-line stance”.
Brighton & Hove Albion Deny Reports of £50 Million Defender Agreement With Chelsea
CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA.
Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 3, 2022
Necessary Signing
It’s not been the best of windows for Chelsea despite picking up Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling, as well as locking down goalkeeping prospect Gabriel Slonina for the future. The club is in need of defenders, and a few of them, especially those capable of providing depth at the wing-back spot.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: Hugely Promising Defender Likely Leaving Chelsea
This brings us to Marc Cucurella, a one-time target of Manchester City, who may now be Chelsea’s best hope at getting a top-quality left-footed defender who can play as the left centre-back in a back three or fill in for Ben Chilwell at the left wing-back position.
Thomas Tuchel may have his hopes bolstered by the reports that the Spaniard wants to go to Stamford Bridge but they may not be able to force The Seagulls’ hand if they are unwilling to sell.
🔐 Marc Cucurella created 40 goalscoring chances from open play in the Premier League last season
😳 Only Reece James (42) created more of all Chelsea players pic.twitter.com/zyfDJeuh7S
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 1, 2022
Panic Stations
The Premier League season kicks off in just a few days so The Blues really need to start getting deals over the line to strengthen their defence, they don’t have time to get dragged into a transfer saga for the £50 million defender especially as they’re also eyeing up some right wing-back targets.
Read More: Thomas Tuchel is Right, Chelsea Are Not Ready
Without some defensive additions, Chelsea’s back line is going to be a real weak spot this coming season, something that the club were desperate to avoid based on their consistent links with defensive players.
