Marc Cucurella has become the latest Chelsea player to find himself linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Spaniard joins a growing list of players facing uncertain futures, with Enzo Fernandez also heavily linked with an exit amid reports he wants to join Real Madrid.
As Xabi Alonso prepares to officially take charge on July 1, Chelsea are expected to make some big decisions on who is staying and who is going, and Cucurella is one of those players.
And according to the latest reports, even Alonso's personal involvement may not be enough to change the defender's mind.
Marc Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea despite Xabi Alonso talks
The NY Times claim Cucurella wants to leave Chelsea this summer despite Alonso speaking to him multiple times ahead of his arrival in west London next month.
The new Chelsea manager wants to keep the 27-year-old, who has three years left on his contract, but has been made aware of his preference to leave.
Interestingly, despite Alonso wanting to keep him next season, Chelsea's ownership are open to listening to offers should a suitable one be made.
The club need to balance the books and reduce the squad's overall size, and although Cucurella is a regular starter, it seems no one is truly safe when it comes to sales.
Cucurella is currently valued around the £50 million mark but a strong World Cup campaign with Spain later this summer could see that number grow significantly.
Three possible destinations including Enzo Maresca reunion
Should Cucurella leave Stamford Bridge, there appears to be no shortage of interested clubs.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have the full-back on their shortlists with a potential return to Spain a genuine possibility after coming through the former's youth academy.
Both clubs need to strengthen their defensive options this summer and Cucurella's experience at the highest level understandably make him an attractive target. Diego Simeone seems to love Cucurella and views him as the type of player capable of fitting into Los Colchoneros' way of playing.
Staying in England hasn't been ruled out, though. Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the situation as they prepare for Enzo Maresca's first season in charge.
Maresca worked closely with Cucurella during their time together at Chelsea with the Italian very familiar with exactly what the defender can offer.
Since he joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022, Cucurella has directly contributed to 22 goals in 163 matches in all competitions. He was part of the squad that lifted the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
