Marc Cucurella shuns Chelsea exit chance in bid to impress Mauricio Pochettino

The Spanish full-back is aiming to fight for his future at Stamford Bridge despite a disappointing first season
Nizaar Kinsella7 July 2023

Marc Cucurella is keen to fight for his place under Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea despite struggling in his first season at the club.

The 24-year-old wants to impress the new Blues boss after taking part in the first week of pre-season training at Cobham.

Chelsea had been open to selling Cucurella, who signed for £62million from Brighton last summer, and sounded out clubs in Saudi Arabia over possible moves.

The Spain international has discouraged interest, however, despite Atletico Madrid briefly exploring the chance to bring him back to LaLiga.

Newcastle have not shortlisted Cucurella as a major target, despite their interest in signing a left-back this summer.

Cucurella will now try to improve his image at Chelsea after being booed by his own supporters away at West Ham and Borussia Dortmund in consecutive matches in February.

He suffered from an association with Graham Potter, who also joined from Brighton last season, despite having been signed by his predecessor Thomas Tuchel a few months earlier.

Cucurella will battle Ben Chilwell for a starting spot at left-back next season as Pochettino looks set to switch to a four-man defence.

Chelsea have already sold eight major players this summer including Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, and will now reinvest some of the £212m raised back into Pochettino's squad.

Out to impress: Marc Cucurella wants to stay at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino
Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Talks remain ongoing to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo but the Seagulls are demanding close to £100m amid West Ham's imminent sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m.

Chelsea could sign a second midfielder and have sounded out Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia over possible summer moves.

Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, is in advanced talks with AC Milan after they made an improved £18.9m offer for his services on Wednesday evening.

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