Sources: Chelsea could now accept Marc Cucurella offer as replacement plan revealed
Chelsea could now accept an offer for left-back Marc Cucurella in the final days of the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the Blues have softened their stance on letting the 25-year-old depart Stamford Bridge after the emergence of Ian Maatsen in recent months.
Maatsen is now considered the backup left-back by manager Mauricio Pochettino after impressing in pre-season.
Football Insider revealed earlier this month (9 August) that Chelsea have kicked talks off with the young defender over a new contract – with less than 12 months to run on his current deal.
Meanwhile, Cucurella could now leave the club just 12 months after joining for a reported fee of up to £63million.
The Spain international made 33 appearances for Chelsea last season, including 24 in the Premier League.
He played both as a centre-back and as a wing-back for the Blues as they limped to a 12th-place finish.
Cucurella was an unused substitute for Chelsea’s season-opener against Liverpool, while Maatsen came off the bench in the closing stages.
Maatsen spent last season on loan at Burnley – and the newly-promoted Lancashire side have seen a £15million bid rejected for his services.
His impressive performances at left-back, on the wing and in a playmaker role during pre-season preparations have changed Pochettino’s mind and may well have resurrected his Stamford Bridge career after several loan spells away.
Chelsea have already completed several big-money sales this summer – with stars like Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Kai Havertz all leaving for big fees.
The Blues face West Ham on Sunday (20 August).
In other news, Premier League to stamp out Chelsea loophole after £150m reveal.