Alonso Backs Cucurella to Stay, But Atletico Madrid Ready to Tempt Chelsea's Spanish Left-Back

Marc Cucurella faces a decision that could reshape Chelsea's defensive setup. The Spanish left-back, signed from Brighton for £60million in summer 2022, has become a target for Atletico Madrid this transfer window—and the player appears interested in the prospect.

At 27, Cucurella has accumulated 162 appearances and delivered 13 assists alongside nine goals during his four seasons at Stamford Bridge. His contract runs until 2028, yet Atletico have made acquiring him a priority for the summer window, with reports suggesting he could rank among the season's most expensive signings.

The complication? Incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, who takes the reins on July 1, actively wants Cucurella to remain. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager has made clear his desire to keep both Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez at the club as he begins his tenure.

Atletico's hopes rest partly on Cucurella's willingness to return to Spain after five years in the Premier League. Yet Barcelona also harbour interest in the defender, and any standout World Cup performance could inflate his valuation considerably. Alonso's arrival itself presents an obstacle to Madrid's ambitions—the manager's evident regard for the full-back could prove decisive in keeping him at the Bridge, even as Chelsea's philosophy of cycling through young talent might suggest otherwise.