Official Briefing, Exploring Other Options - Marc Cucurella To Manchester City: What Has Been Reported Today?

There have been numerous updates regarding Manchester City's pursuit of a new left-back, namely Marc Cucurella.

The Premier League Champions, who suffered defeat in the FA Community Shield on Saturday, are continuing to look at strengthening their squad ahead of the new season, which begins next weekend.

Pep Guardiola has already brought in Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega.

The Catalan has seen a major overhaul of his four-time title winning squad, with the high profile departures of Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Zinchenko's exit has raised eyebrows amongst supporters, with the club seemingly set to start the new season without a replacement.

Marc Cucurella has been continually linked with the Sky Blues this summer, though despite handing in a transfer request, has seen his hopes of moving to the Etihad Stadium hampered by the Seagulls' £50 million price tag.

The 24 year-old missed Brighton's pre-season friendly on Saturday.

On Sunday, a fresh update was provided on the Spanish full-backs future, as Manchester City seemingly briefed a host of journalists on their flailing pursuit of Brighton's Player of the Season.

Simon Bajkowski, Mike Minay and Simon Stone were amongst a host of journalists to simultaneously report that the Blues would look at other options, deeming Brighton's £50 million price tag as too high.

#ManCity are now exploring options away from Marc Cucurella. Brighton’s £50M asking price is deemed too high and, although @ManCity are not fully walking away, they are comfortable in looking elsewhere.

[via @MikeMinay]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 31, 2022

City had seen a £30 million bid rejected for the 24 year-old earlier this month.

The Seagulls were widely claimed to have exited talks, however, the Champions are not fully walking away from a prospective deal.

Instead, City are said to be looking elsewhere for alternatives to Marc Cucurella.

Mike Minay claims that the club are 'comfortable' in looking elsewhere, despite the new season starting next week.

Meanwhile, Rob Dawson described City's mood as 'relaxed' as they weigh up alternative options.

#ManCity remain "relaxed" about the possibility of bringing someone in at left-back this summer.

[via @RobDawsonESPN]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 31, 2022

The ESPN correspondent further claims that the Champions would only be interested in a deal if it was closer to £35 million.

City have previously been linked with Borna Sosa and Alex Grimaldo.

Pol Ballus of The Athletic threw a new name into the hat on Sunday, reporting that Borussia Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro had in the past been scouted.

#ManCity can be expected to explore new options at left-back. Borussia Dortmund's Raphaël Guerreiro had been scouted and followed in the past, but the 28-year-old is not expected to be let go at a feasible price.

[via @polballus]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 31, 2022

Fabrizio Romano reported that a final decision on Marc Cucurella is expected next week, with the 24 year-old still considered the Sky Blues' priority.

A final decision on Marc Cucurella will be made next week. The player is disappointed, but #ManCity have tried their best with a £40M proposal. As it stands, @ManCity have not negotiated with any other left-backs, and consider Cucurella a priority.

[via @FabrizioRomano]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 31, 2022

Elsewhere, David Raum, who was linked with a move to East Manchester earlier this summer, completed a transfer to RB Leipzig from Hoffenheim.