Barcelona target Marc Cucurella for €40m to strengthen left flank

FC Barcelona have identified Marc Cucurella as a priority to strengthen their left flank in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. Chelsea are reportedly asking for approximately €40 million for the 27-year-old Spanish international, whom Transfermarkt values at €50 million.

The Catalan club are looking to compete with Alejandro Balde, whose place in the starting XI has been questioned despite Joao Cancelo’s return in January. Barcelona are targeting a new UEFA Champions League title, eleven years after their last triumph, and believe defensive reinforcement is essential to achieving that objective.

Cucurella, contracted to Chelsea until 2029, is reportedly keen on a move himself. Trained in Spain, he played for Eibar and Getafe between 2018 and 2022 and is said to have expressed a desire to return to La Liga. However, he does not intend to make any decision before the 2026 World Cup.

Competition for Barcelona looks fierce. Atlético Madrid have been tracking the player for several months, while Manchester City and Real Madrid could also enter the race in the coming weeks, according to Marca. This deal is running in parallel with negotiations already underway for Barcelona to sign Julian Alvarez.