Chelsea have an interesting summer ahead amid uncertainty aplenty surrounding the club. The Blues are now searching for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior, and they don't yet know whether they will be playing European football next season.
As things stand, Chelsea are eighth in the Premier League, goal difference ahead of Brentford and only two points behind sixth, with the top five now looking like being out of the question, given there is an eight-point gap, and that could cost them top players like Marc Cucurella.
Eighth is not a certain European spot, but Chelsea are, of course, close to the guaranteed European spots, and winning the FA Cup will also guarantee European football.
Chelsea's uncertain future could lead a few players to the exit door
What we do know is that Chelsea's managerial appointment and their European participation will significantly influence the kind of summer they have. European football and a top manager is key to attracting top players, and indeed keeping hold of such players.
There are a number of top players who could be offered bigger opportunities this summer, and one of them is Cucurella, who has been very consistent over the last couple of years.
The full-back has also been a key player for Spain, playing a vital role in the Euro 2024 win, while he will also be a vital player at this summer's World Cup.
So, it's no surprise that other clubs are sniffing around Cucurella ahead of the summer, and reports have claimed Barcelona could steal him away. Fichajes claim Barcelona are already working on striking a €50m (£43.3million) deal ahead of the summer.
The 27-year-old started his career at Barca. and he even returned after time away from the club, but he never made a single league appearance for the club. That is perhaps why the La Masia academy graduate has previously said it would be 'difficult to reject' Barca if they came knocking again, and it's certain he would be a key player if he returned.
Chelsea won't want to lose the Spaniard, who is one of their most committed players, and they do have him under contract until 2028. But if Barca come in with a significant bid and turn his head, there is likely little Chelsea can do.
Barca will win La Liga this season and play in the Champions League next season, and that's aside from the sentimental value of returning to - a new and improved - Camp Nou and Cucurella's home country.
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