Thomas Tuchel has been told how much Chelsea must pay this summer in order to sign Brighton defender Marc Cucurella. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium following a series of impressive displays for Graham Potter's side.
Todd Boehly's consortium, who have agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club, are expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline. And, with the new ownership group eager to bolster the Blues' armoury, The Telegraph indicate that, after player sales are taken into account, Tuchel is set to have £200million at his disposal to strengthen his side.
And, as part of Chelsea's proposed rebuild project, Cucurella has emerged as a target, with Marcos Alonso facing a seemingly uncertain future. The 31-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, is planning on leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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The report claims that the Spanish international is in advanced talks with Xavi's side over a potential switch to Camp Nou, thus reportedly triggering Chelsea's eagerness to bolster Tuchel's options at left-back. But, should the Blues look to acquire Cucurella's services, Boehly's consortium has been told they will need to fork out £45million, claim The Sun.
Cucurella's featured 35 times for Brighton in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards two goals. Reports claim that his impressive displays have also courted the interest of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, handing Chelsea an up-hill transfer battle to win his signature.
If a deal is to be completed, the Spaniard would become the first signing of a new era, and the first of Boehly's 'A-list signings'. The LA Dodgers co-owner, who has agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the Blues, is expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline.
And, regardless of whether the American billionaire secures Cucurella's services, Tuchel is keen to undergo a rebuild at Chelsea this summer. Speaking to football.london, the Blues boss said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
Cucurella would be the perfect replacement for Alonso, should the latter seek an exit from Chelsea. The Brighton defender's energy, front-foot pressing and progressiveness would add a new dimension to Tuchel's attack.
