Chelsea are willing to part ways with Marc Cucurella this summer, but only if an interested club meets their asking price, according to talkSPORT. Atletico Madrid are the most advanced suitor and are expected to open formal talks with the London club in the coming weeks.

Atletico Madrid lead the chase

Atleti have identified Cucurella as a primary left-back target despite having signed Matteo Ruggeri last year. Negotiations on the player's side are already in progress, and Atletico Madrid hope to move decisively before rival clubs enter the picture.

Barcelona are also monitoring the situation, though no concrete progress has been made. The Spanish giants would likely need a defender to depart before pursuing a deal for the 27-year-old.

Real Madrid and Manchester City cool their interest

Real Madrid have been linked with Cucurella, but sources indicate a transfer is unlikely at this stage. Their defensive focus is on signing a centre-back, and talks with free agent Ibrahima Konate have resumed after Real Madrid previously ruled themselves out. A formal agreement could follow the club's upcoming presidential elections.

Manchester City attempted to sign Cucurella while he was at Brighton before Chelsea secured him for an initial £55 million in August 2022 — a fee that rose to £62 million through add-ons. A renewed interest from City seemed plausible given that former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is poised to replace Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, and Cucurella still has admirers within the club.

However, City currently regard Nico O'Reilly as their first-choice left-back and are prioritising the right-back position. Newcastle United's Tino Livramento is among the names on their radar. City would only revisit a move for Cucurella if Josko Gvardiol is sold — a scenario that depends on whether Bayern Munich follow through on reported interest in the Croatian.

A player transformed at Stamford Bridge

Cucurella arrived at Chelsea to considerable scrutiny, but his tenure at Stamford Bridge has been a story of redemption. In 162 appearances, he has scored nine goals and evolved into one of the club's most reliable and popular performers. With three years remaining on the contract he signed last year, Chelsea hold strong leverage — but the player is understood to be open to a new challenge.