Man City ‘will have to pay over the odds’ to sign Marc Cucurella after Sky update – pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed Man City will “have to pay over the odds” to sign Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the Seagulls know Pep Guardiola’s side are in desperate need of a recognised left-back.
The Premier League champions have no senior left-sided full-back following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s move to Arsenal.
However, Joao Cancelo, Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte are all capable of covering in that position, while 19-year-old Josh Wilson-Esbrand has been given minutes in pre-season.
As reported by Sky Sports (21 July), City have had a bid of £30million rejected for Cucurella with Brighton holding out for £50million.
When asked by Football Insider if the financial disparity suggests a deal is unlikely to be struck, Robinson said: “Man City do not have a recognised left-back going into the system.
“Yes, Cancelo, Ake and Laporte can play there but it’s not their preferred position. It is not an ideal situation.
“This is the thing, Brighton know that City haven’t got a recognised left-back. They have a commodity that Man City want.
“Kalvin Phillips was undersold by Leeds. They should have held out for more money.
“When City want a player you should drive a high price, especially when it is a player they particularly need.
“Brighton hold all of the cards here. If City want him they will have to pay over the odds.
“Brighton are quite happy to keep Cucurella so if City want him they will have to pay over the odds. It is as simple as that.”
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