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Today — 21 May 2026Main stream

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Enzo Maresca has been speaking to Chelsea star about joining him at Manchester City 21 May 2026 at 14:15

Enzo Maresca has been speaking to Chelsea star about joining him at Manchester City

21 May 2026 at 14:15

Enzo Maresca has reportedly been holding talks with Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella about possibly following him to Manchester City.

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The Spain international has been a key player for the Blues and is someone Maresca will know well, with Simon Phillips now reporting that they could be reunited.

The Italian tactician is the favourite to take over from Pep Guardiola at Man City this summer, as per BBC Sport and other recent reports.

Guardiola’s exit and Maresca’s arrival have not yet been confirmed, but it’s surely something to watch and it could have major implications for Cucurella’s future.

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Chelsea face fight to keep hold of Marc Cucurella

Cucurella is not someone Chelsea will want to lose, but he’s perhaps signalled that he’s not entirely happy with how things are going at Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old is also on the radar of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, according to Sky Sports, so it will be interesting to see how this saga develops.

Chelsea would surely rather sell Cucurella abroad than to one of their main rivals, but it might also be more realistic for City to afford him, while the Maresca connection could also be key.

Xabi Alonso could be key to Marc Cucurella’s future

Even if Cucurella hasn’t sounded content with life at CFC in recent times, perhaps the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager can persuade him to give the project more time.

Phillips’ report suggests, however, that Cucurella’s departure is perhaps looking the more likely outcome at the moment.

Two Euro giants eyeing Chelsea star – transfer would cause short-term pain but might be worth it

CaughtOffside

By:Mark Brus

21 May 2026 at 09:25

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly both interested in a potential transfer move for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella this summer.

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The Spain international has been a key player for the Blues and it’s perhaps not surprising that big clubs are keeping an eye on his situation after what has been a difficult and unhappy season at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella is a long-term target for Atletico director Mateu Alemany, while Barcelona also retain an interest in him even if they might prioritise other positions for now, according to Sky Sports.

Chelsea have just lost the FA Cup final and are 8th in the Premier League table, so there could be some pressure to let big names leave this summer, but how big a blow would it be to lose Cucurella?

Marc Cucurella exit would be a blow, but could it help in the long run?

Even if Cucurella is a top player and one of the more experienced members of this CFC squad, there might be some logic in considering offers if clubs are willing to pay decent money for him.

While Chelsea fans will have found this season frustrating, it might be worth thinking about whether or not Cucurella is really the kind of character they want at their club to help them get out of this crisis.

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When things got difficult, the 27-year-old publicly hit out at the club’s transfer strategy and even flirted with a move away – not the behaviour of a leader willing to do his bit for the cause.

Speaking to Marca, when asked about a possible move to Barcelona, he responded: “It would be difficult to refuse. It’s not just about me; I’d have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made.

“You always think about going back. I’m very happy there, and so is my family. I’ll leave it for a few years from now.”

What Marc Cucurella said about Chelsea’s transfer strategy

In a separate interview with the Athletic, Cucurella also hit out at the direction the club had taken, saying: “I understand this is part of the club’s policy, and that they want to take this direction — signing young players and looking to the future. But, for all of us who are still here and want to win big things, moments like this make you feel discouraged.

“We have a good core of players. The foundations are there. But to fight for major trophies such as the Premier League or the Champions League, you need more.”