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Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are accustomed to battling each other for La Liga titles. It now seems the pair could go to war to sign Chelsea’s Spanish international full-back Marc Cucurella this summer.
Atletico Madrid is also believed to be interested in signing the former Brighton star this summer. However, the lure of the big two of Spanish football may prove more tempting for the full-back.
A summer move is possible
Reports from Spain suggest that Cucurella is willing to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after Chelsea finished in tenth place in the Premier League table. He is also keen on a return to his homeland.
Reportedly, the south west London club will only sell the Spaniard if any prospective buyer meets his valuation, as the 27-year-old has three years left on his contract.
Where is he likely to end up this summer?
Out of the two Spanish giants, Real Madrid looks the more likely destination this summer. Los Blancos are entering a new era under the returning Jose Mourinho, and signing a left-back is one of their transfer priorities this summer.
Barcelona would need to sell a defender this summer in order to sign Cucurella this summer. La Masia graduate Alex Balde saw his progress hampered last season by injury. The 22-year-old left-back has two years left on his deal, so the club may well cash in on the youngster.
Joao Cancelo returned to Catalonia on loan in January from Saudi club Al Hilal. The 32-year-old is keen to stay on a permanent basis, and the Blaugrana are looking to sign him permanently.
However, Cucurella could arrive as well as Cancelo, with the latter being able to play in either full-back position.
Atletico Madrid are also admirers of Cucurella and are in need of a left-back. The club from the Spanish capital have been in touch with the player’s representatives over a summer move. One advantage Atletico has this summer is that they don’t need to sell to buy. This could prove to be a decisive factor in the race for Cucurella.