Man City told to agree Marc Cucurella deal as summer transfer mission revealed – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Man City could struggle to complete a summer deal for Chelsea star Ben Chilwell and should pursue Marc Cucurella instead.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Stamford Bridge club should be looking to build their defence around the 26-year-old left-back and Reece James.
According to the Daily Mail (30 January), Man City could return for Chilwell in the summer window as they search for a traditional left-back option.
The report claims the Premier League champions opted against activating the England international’s £42million release clause when he left Leicester City in 2020.
Sergio Gomez is City’s only recognised natural left-back option following the last-gasp loan-to-buy departure of Joao Cancelo last month.
Chilwell had been rotating with summer signing Cucurella earlier this season but has only just returned from a long layoff with a hamstring injury.
Cucurella was the subject of interest from Man City before the 2022-23 season kicked off but eventually joined Chelsea for a reported fee of more than £60million.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think Chilwell will be sold.
“I think he and Reece James are the best full-backs at the football club.
“If I was Chelsea, I’d offer them Cucurella. I’d put him on a coach to Manchester.
“Chilwell, when he’s on fire, is outstanding. He’s an England international.”
Chelsea sit ninth in the Premier League and it has been suggested that they will need to sell in the summer in order to balance their books following a record transfer outlay this season.
City are second in the Premier League and are still fighting for FA Cup and Champions League glory this season.
In other news, pundit suggests Man City star Kevin De Bruyne has “behind-the-scenes” problem.