Brighton defender Marc Cucurella is set to snub Chelsea in favour of a move to Manchester City this summer, according to reports.
After an impressive 2021/22 campaign down on the south coast under Graham Potter's tutelage where he made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls, Cucurella has attracted transfer interest from the top of the table.
Manchester City and Chelsea are both keen on the Spaniard, but if they want to land him this summer they will need to meet Brighton's £50 million valuation.
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However, it appears as though Manchester City will win the race for Cucurella should they agree a fee with Brighton.
The Athletic report that the left-back wants to make the move up north to link up with Pep Guardiola, 'intent' on signing for the Premier League champions.
City are expected to start 'formal contacts' in the coming days to discuss the Spaniard's arrival, however will refuse to match the £50 million valuation. They are prepared to walk away from the deal if Brighton don't soften their stance.
Chelsea are 'in the mix' with the departure of Marcos Alonso likely this summer amid interest from Barcelona.
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Alonso has already expressed his desire to return to Spain one day and a move before the end of the summer transfer window is likely.
He said while on international duty: "On paper, I have a contract for one more year and that is where we’re at today. I’ve already said that I would like to play in Spain again, but it doesn’t depend entirely on me.
“I can’t complain about anything at Chelsea, but the desire to play in Spain is there. It doesn’t depend entirely on me and I’m happy at Chelsea, honestly.”
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Ben Chilwell is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season when they return next month, while Emerson Palmieri will return to Chelsea following his loan spell at Lyon.
He is yet to speak to Thomas Tuchel over his role at the club next season, but it's believed he is being eyed as Chilwell's back-up.
"I didn’t speak with (Thomas Tuchel) just yet,’ Emerson said at the start of June.
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"I have a contract with Chelsea. I played there for three seasons and I have a lot of friends there.
"If I come back, I’ll be happy. It’s a good place and club for me. Let’s see what can happen.
"Lyon said ‘no’ (to a return in January) so I didn’t come back. It didn’t depend on me. Those conversations were between the clubs.
"Lyon said ‘no’ and I respected that because when I signed there I signed for one year, not six months.
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"But now I will go back to Chelsea in the pre-season I think and let’s see what happens in the next month."
Topics: Marc Cucurella, Manchester City, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Brighton And Hove Albion
Matthew Debono