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).