Reports suggest that Chelsea are planning a significant overhaul of their left-back position, with Marc Cucurella being considered for sale as part of this restructuring ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea began the season with a surplus of left-back options, but have since reduced their roster to just two players in the position. Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen have both secured loan moves to Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Hall’s transfer includes conditions that are expected to lead to a permanent move, while Maatsen will be put up for sale upon his return from Dortmund, with a reported release clause of £35 million in his contract.
The Guardian reports that Chelsea are open to offers for Marc Cucurella, who has struggled to find form since his £62 million transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022. Furthermore, Cucurella has been sidelined for most of the current season due to an ankle injury.
If Cucurella departs, Chelsea will be left with only vice-captain Ben Chilwell in the left-back position. Consequently, it is anticipated that Chelsea will seek reinforcements in the transfer market to provide cover for Chilwell.
Who Will replace Marc Cucurella at Chelsea?
Archie Brown, a 21-year-old player from Belgian club Gent, has emerged as a potential target for several clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. Brown initially developed as a winger in Derby County’s academy before moving to Lausanne-Sport with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, where he transitioned to a left-back role in 2021.
Since joining Gent last summer, Brown has impressed in the Belgian league, attracting interest from various clubs. West Ham United have shown keen interest in acquiring his services, while European giants such as Juventus, AC Milan, Lyon, and Nice are also reportedly admirers of his talent.
Standing at 6’3, Brown’s versatility has been evident as he has even filled in at centre-back when needed. His potential transfer fee is estimated to be around £15 million. Height in defense has been identified as a concern for certain teams, with managers like Pochettino resorting to deploying centre-back Levi Colwill in wide positions to bolster their team’s aerial presence.
