Chelsea have reportedly moved a step closer to signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it has been consistently claimed that Manchester City were the favourites to secure a deal for the Spaniard.
However, Brighton allegedly broke off negotiations with the Premier League champions over the weekend after City failed to show a willingness to meet their £50m valuation.
Since then, Chelsea have seemingly swooped in to try to sign the left-sided player in order to add another defensive option to their squad.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Cucurella have already reached an agreement over personal terms.
© Reuters
Although it is suggested that a contract proposal has only been accepted in principle, Romano says that it will be made official once the clubs settle on a fee.
That is expected to be a formality with Chelsea seemingly happy to offer the Seagulls two different scenarios in order to finalise a transfer.
While the frequent claim has been regarding Brighton receiving £50m as a straight fee, Chelsea are also said to be willing to include Levi Colwill in any transfer.
The defender, who impressed on loan at Huddersfield Town last season, is highly-regarded at Stamford Bridge, but the 19-year-old requires more first-team football in 2022-23.
© Reuters
Even with Chelsea's restricted options in the centre of defence, the prospect does not appear to be in Thomas Tuchel's plans for the upcoming campaign.
As it stands, however, it is unclear whether Chelsea are prepared to sell Colwill to significantly lower a transfer fee or offer him out on a season-long loan deal.
Should Cucurella complete a transfer to Stamford Bridge, he would provide direct competition to Ben Chilwell for the left wing-back position.
However, there is also potential for the 24-year-old to feature on the left-hand side of a back three or at left-back, depending on what formation is used by Tuchel.
The former Barcelona and Getafe man made 35 starts for Brighton in the Premier League last season, also earning the club's Player Of The Year award.
Darren Plant
