Brighton have turned down a £30 million bid from Manchester City for Marc Cucurella, according to a new report.
Cucurella has been widely reported to be City's primary target at left-back this summer.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko set to join Arsenal, the Premier League champions are looking for reinforcements in the position after already having brought in Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Stefan Ortega and Kalvin Phillips ahead of the new campaign.
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After joining the Seagulls from Getafe last summer, Cucurella enjoyed a stellar debut season at the Amex Stadium, making 39 appearances across all competitions.
Though Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo provided cover at left-back for the entirety of last season, Pep Guardiola is understood to be keen on bolstering his full-back options with the signing of Cucurella.
However, with four years left on the Catalan's long-term deal in the south coast, Manchester City will have to spend big to persuade Brighton into sanctioning a sale for the 23-year-old.
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Brighton owner Tony Bloom said recently the club will not stand in Cucurella's way should Manchester City present an acceptable offer for the Barcelona academy graduate.
Cucurella is believed to be excited by the prospect of linking up with Pep Guardiola and competing for major trophies at the Etihad Stadium.
City picked up a fourth Premier League title in five seasons on the final day of the previous campaign and are ready to fight on all fronts again next term.
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It was reported recently that City would progress in their pursuit for Marc Cucurella once Oleksandr Zinchenko does leave for Arsenal.
With the Ukrainian close to reuniting with former Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta, City have made their move but have suffered an early blow in their desire to add Cucurella to the squad next season.
According to a new report by The Athletic, Brighton have swiftly turned down an offer worth £30 million from Manchester City for Marc Cucurella.
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It is said negotiations are in preliminary stages and further discussions are set to be held between the clubs in the coming days.
Moreover, whilst Manchester City are prepared to improve their initial bid, the Premier League champions will walk away from a deal should Brighton refuse to lower their £50 asking price for the left-back.
The Seagulls are in no rush to sell Cucurella, who should face no hurdles in agreeing personal terms ahead of a potential switch to Manchester.
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It remains to be seen whether City can convince Brighton to budge and cash in on Cucurella or whether the south coast club stick to their sizeable valuation.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Brighton And Hove Albion, Marc Cucurella, Pep Guardiola, Transfers, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal
Vayam Lahoti