Transfer News: Real Madrid target could push for Chelsea exit in January

Chelsea’s £62m signing Marc Cucurella seeking January exit

Chelsea have spent big with mixed results ever since Todd Boehly took over as the co-owner in 2022 and Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has been one of those 2352 signings that the Blues have made in the last year and a half. His time at the club is kind of symbolic of the reign under the American owner.

The Blues had spent £62 million to acquire the Spanish left back in 2022, but the player has done little to justify the Blues’ investment in him. After all the good name that he earned at Brighton, it has quickly dissipated for him in a struggling Chelsea side.

With minimal playing time this season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, Marc Cucurella is now eager to leave Chelsea according to a report from Calciomercato (h/t the Sun). He is yet to feature in the Premier League and has made just one League Cup appearance against AFC Wimbledon.

Frustrated by the lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old Spaniard is looking for a return to his home country. Reportedly, Spanish giants Real Madrid have been ‘quietly monitoring his situation.’ 

Cucurella, a Barcelona youth system product signed for Chelsea in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion. Since then he has played 34 matches for the Blues in all competitions.

The Spaniard was disappointed after his loan to Manchester United this season fell through and now wants to leave the club as his future at the club has become uncertain under Pochettino. Cucurella’s potential exit would force Chelsea to target replacements at left-back. Their search may steer them back towards Serie A, where two players currently standout.

Chelsea are already looking for Cucurella’s replacement in Serie A

Both AC Milan and Inter Milan currently house two of the most sought-after left-backs in European football. Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Inter’s Federico Dimarco are the men that Chelsea might want to bring to Stamford Bridge this January transfer window, as per Calciomercato.

Chelsea have monitored Dimarco for some time as he had played a vital role for Inter Milan during their surprising run to the Champions League final last season. His left-footed volley goal in Inter’s 1-0 win over Empoli on Sunday has become a fan favourite online.

However, the Blues will have a hard time signing the 25-year-old Italian as he is currently focused on Inter, with contract renewal talks underway to extend his current deal expiring in 2026. But a massive offer could tempt him across Europe’s top leagues.

AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez is similarly settled in Italy presently. But the 25-year-old Frenchman could reconsider if Chelsea or other European giants come calling with a stunning proposal.

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Milan and Inter have shown a willingness to cash in on stars at the right price before. While both clubs aim to keep their left-backs content, they may struggle to resist if Chelsea offer exorbitant sums.

With Cucurella’s status uncertain, Chelsea will keep alternatives like Dimarco and Hernandez in mind should the Spaniard push for a January exit. We may need to pay premium prices to lure either player away from the Italian league though.