Marc Cucurella’s name remains highlighted in red as Atlético de Madrid’s top target in defense this summer. And as Cucurella gathered with his Spain teammates in Madrid on Monday, The Athletic revealed a factor that could help Atlético get its man at last.
Mario Cortegana reported that Atlético sporting director Mateu Alemany is in touch with Cucurella’s representatives, and Atleti do not have to wait to sell players before stepping up its interest in Cucurella — who has long been linked with a move
to the Colchoneros and has indicated a desire to return to LaLiga this summer.
“Diego Simeone’s team view a left-back as one of their top priorities in the transfer window, and Cucurella is very high on their wish list. … Atletico are one of the more likely sides to close a deal in the near future as they do not have to wait on sales before advancing their interest,” Cortegana wrote as part of a report that shares bylines with Barcelona reporter Pol Ballús and Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson.
That is in contrast with the reality facing FC Barcelona. The Catalan club, already in a tug-of-war with Atlético over Julián Alvarez and Bernardo Silva, has to sell a defender in order to open the financial margin for Cucurella, a graduate of La Masia who never debuted for Barça before he was sold to Getafe in 2020.
Barcelona are open to selling Jules Koundé or the out-of-favor Alejandro Baldé to finance a move for Cucurella. Atlético could sell incumbent starter Matteo Ruggeri before going after Cucurella (it would make business sense to do so), but the club does not have to go down that route. Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Manchester City (where ex-Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola) also have interest in Cucurella, though they are viewed as less-likely destinations for the 23-time Spain international.
As for Chelsea, the Blues are “relaxed” about Cucurella’s future. Cucurella has a contract until 2028, and incoming head coach Xabi Alonso has spoken with the 27-year-old about making him a part of his new-look Chelsea side come the fall. However, Alonso and Chelsea are aware of the player’s desire to move on, and the development of young left-back Jorrel Hato is another reason that the club would not stand in Cucurella’s way if an interested club met his as-yet unspecified valuation.
Atlético’s interest in Cucurella appears to be the most advanced among his suitors. Diego Simeone’s side upgraded to Ruggeri from Javi Galán but a significant qualitative leap is needed in order to compete more consistently in domestic competitions and return to the latter stages of the Champions League. We also know that Alemany wants to do as much work as possible before the FIFA World Cup begins.
Asked Monday if he’s spoken to Cucurella about joining Atlético, Spain debutant Marc Pubill said “of course.” Now we’ll have to see if Atleti and Chelsea can kick off negotiations in due course.
