Marc Cucurella to Chelsea transfer; Blues ‘close’ to £50m deal, Graham Potter responds

Chelsea are said to be pushing for a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion full-back Marc Cucurella.

The Blues have managed to snap up key signings such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling this summer.

But they need more defensive reinforcements amid the loss of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, while there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.

Cucurella, who has been linked with Manchester City all summer, is said to be the latest target, and here we round up all the latest.

Latest report

According to The Guardian, Chelsea are now closing in on the signing of Cucurella.

Despite City chasing the Spaniard throughout this summer, the Blues are said to be confident of pulling off a deal.

The report claims Chelsea are set to agree a £50million deal, a figure City have been reluctant to meet.

Brighton only signed Cucurella for around £15million last summer, but since then, he has enjoyed a stellar campaign.

What has Potter said?

Brighton boss Graham Potter has already responded to links surrounding Cucurella.

Speaking recently, he told StadiumAstro: “I think it’s just part of life at this time of year. There’s a lot of speculation, a lot of talk about players especially when the team did well last year, you can understand that.

“But it’s speculation. You spend a lot of time commenting on it, there’s no point, there’s nothing to say, nothing’s happened, it is what it is.

“We just have to get on and keep helping Marc enjoy his football and enjoy his time here with us at Brighton.”

What has Cucurella said?

Cucurella has also responded to talk he could leave Brighton.

“The goal [at Brighton] was to develop so the big clubs can take notice. But if the opportunity arises, you have to take advantage of it. There are teams that you can’t say no to,” he said to Spanish show Jijantes FC via the Metro.

Asked if Pep Guardiola had been in touch, he replied: “No, sincerely no. Of course, there are rumours.

“If people are talking like this about you, it’s a good thing. We’re calm; the most important thing right now is to rest.”