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Report: £56m Chelsea star ready to leave with multiple clubs interested

Marc Cucurella Transfer Latest: Chelsea Defender Facing Uncertain Future

Marc Cucurella’s Chelsea future has entered a significant period of uncertainty, with The Athletic reporting that multiple clubs have made contact with people working on behalf of the Spain international regarding a potential summer move.

The situation is delicate rather than advanced, but the direction is clear. Cucurella, who signed a new Chelsea contract last summer, is understood to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge after a disappointing campaign in which the club finished 10th in the Premier League.

According to The Athletic, sources briefed on the matter say Cucurella “is willing to leave Chelsea after a frustrating season”. Chelsea, for their part, are said to be relaxed because the defender has three years left on his deal. However, they “would not block his departure if an offer matched their valuation of the full-back.”

Spanish Interest Grows Around Cucurella

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are all credited with interest, although each club’s situation appears different.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly been in contact with Cucurella’s camp, with both Deco and Hansi Flick considered admirers of the 27-year-old. Any move, however, appears dependent on a defensive departure at Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid may be the more direct threat. Diego Simeone’s side view left-back as one of their leading priorities this summer, with sporting director Mateu Alemany leading the pursuit. The report states that Cucurella is “very high on their wish list”, and Atletico do not need to wait for sales before moving.

Real Madrid are also looking at left-back options and appreciate Cucurella, although it remains unclear whether they will act.

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Chelsea Balance Squad Planning With Player Ambition

This is not a simple case of Chelsea looking to push a player out. Xabi Alonso, who takes charge this summer, has contacted several Chelsea players in recent weeks, including Cucurella. The Athletic reports that Alonso “wants to keep the Spain international in his squad for next season”, while also being aware that the player is willing to explore a move.

Chelsea’s stance is helped by the emergence of Jorrel Hato, whose rapid development since arriving from Ajax has given the club another serious left-sided defensive option. That is one reason Cucurella is not viewed as “untouchable” in this window.

Maresca Exit Remains Key Context

The turning point appears to have been Enzo Maresca’s January exit. Sources pointed to that moment as significant in Cucurella’s thinking, although Chelsea insist they remain on good terms with the player.

Speaking to The Athletic in March, Cucurella made clear he would not have parted ways with Maresca and questioned Chelsea’s approach to signing younger players. That matters. Cucurella turns 28 in July, has rebuilt his reputation after a difficult start at Stamford Bridge, and may now feel this is the right moment to return to Spain.

Chelsea signed him from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for an initial £56million, with a further £7m possible in add-ons. Since then, he has gone from struggling for form to becoming a regular starter and a player trusted in major matches, including the UEFA Conference and FIFA Club World Cup final wins in 2025.

For Chelsea, this is a valuation question. For Cucurella, it may be a career timing question. If a Spanish heavyweight comes with the right offer, the next decision could arrive quickly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea perspective, this one hurts more than some people will admit.

Cucurella has had a strange Stamford Bridge story. At first, plenty doubted him. The fee looked heavy, the performances were uneven, and there were moments when it felt like he might never truly settle. Yet he fought through that, became dependable, and gave Chelsea something that has been in short supply during this chaotic era, personality.

That is why this report feels uncomfortable. Chelsea cannot keep rebuilding every summer and expect supporters to feel attached to the team. Cucurella may not be the biggest name in the squad, but he represents experience, resilience and edge. Those qualities matter, especially after finishing 10th.

If Xabi Alonso wants to keep him, that should carry weight. A new manager walking into Chelsea needs leaders who understand the league, the pressure and the noise around the club. Cucurella does. Losing him now would feel like another example of Chelsea accepting churn as normal.

Of course, if the player wants Spain and Atletico or Barcelona make a strong offer, the club cannot ignore reality. But from the stands, this should not be treated as routine business. Cucurella earned respect the hard way. Chelsea should think very carefully before letting that walk out of the door.

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