At this point, it is very clear that Chelsea need to strengthen their squad. Some proven quality needs to be brought in. The confusing transfer strategy of signing only youth has not been able to take the club forward in the three-plus years of the new ownership. Patience is a virtue but at some point, it is important to recognise the need for tweaking strategies as well.
We do not want the club to completely move away from trying to sign youngsters. But it is important to balance it with bringing in proven talent as well, like the other top clubs around Europe seem to do, which is why they have maintained their place while Chelsea have rapidly slipped down since the change in ownership.
The last thing Chelsea can afford to do right now is lose the proven players they have in their current squad. One of them is Marc Cucurella, but he seems to be drawing interest from Spain.
As reported by Fichajes, Cucurella is one of Diego Simeone's top targets to strengthen his defence. Atletico Madrid intends to wait until the summer of 2026 to make their move. The estimated offer is around €40 million, a figure the Spanish club considers feasible to finalise the deal.
Atletico Madrid preparing €40m offer for Chelsea starter
Cucurella is a nailed-on starter for Enzo Maresca's side. And he is expected to remain that with Jorrel Hato struggling to impress since his summer move. The Dutch international was at fault for both the goals Chelsea conceded in their recent draw against Qarabag in the Champions League.
Cucurella is vital to this team and it is hard to imagine that Chelsea would let him leave for a transfer fee in the region of €40 million, even if they are somehow open to the idea of the Spaniard's exit. He is one of the best left-backs in the world.
We know that Chelsea's defence has been heavily criticised this season. But that is largely down to the lack of quality at centre-back rather than the likes of Cucurella and Reece James at full-back.