Chelsea agree final Marc Cucurella fee, with Levi Colwill closing on £25m Brighton move with crucial clause - report (original) (raw)

Chelsea have agreed a £52.5million deal with Brighton to sign Marc Cucurella, with Levi Colwill nearing a move to the south coast in a separate deal.

The Blues endured a slow start to the summer transfer window, but they are now picking up the pace. Raheem Sterling is the marquee arrival up top, although defence has proved the major focus.

Kalidou Koulibaly is a top new centre-back signing – with more central defenders likely to follow the former Napoli man to Stamford Bridge.

But in recent days, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s attention has also shifted to his full-backs.

And the Daily Mail now reports that the Blues have agreed to sign Brighton’s exciting Spaniard Cucurella – although a later club statement from Brighton denied such an agreement with any club.

The Seagulls said: “Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella.”

Manchester City had emerged as the left-back’s top suitors, but after Brighton rejected their £30million bid rejected, they walked away.

The Seagulls wanted around £50million and once Cucurella caught wind of the developments, he handed in a transfer request.

Chelsea have subsequently taken up the mantle and are reportedly close to adding the 24-year-old to their ranks.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Cucurella will sign a six-year deal until 2028. What’s more, he will be in London on Thursday to finalise the details of the move and undergo his medical.

Cucurella not only Chelsea, Brighton business

With Chelsea shelling out over £50million for Cucurella and Brighton receiving a hefty profit – but also losing their star player – the two clubs are in talks over a separate deal.

England Under-21 international Colwill could soon join Brighton, although the two clubs are still thrashing out a move.

The centre-back can also play at left-back and enjoyed a successful loan spell at Huddersfield Town last season.

The Evening Standard claims that Colwill, 19, could cost Brighton £25million. Chelsea were reluctant to let him go and so have reportedly set a £50million buy-back clause.

All eyes on double deal

The moves for both players are massive ones for their careers and it remains to be seen how they both adapt.

Starting with Colwill, he can expect significant game time under Graham Potter. Potter has the likes of Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman in his ranks, but the latter two are 30.

Colwill is an exciting young talent who, like Tariq Lamptey when he left Chelsea for Brighton, will no doubt enjoy a fantastic rise.

Cucurella, meanwhile, is a versatile option and he could enjoy success at Chelsea across the back line. His arrival will certainly swell his new club’s left-back ranks.

Are Chelsea finding themselves in a difficult situation during pre-season?

Should Chelsea fans be worried for the start of the campaign after losing out on any transfer targets and a somewhat underwhelming pre-season performance?

Ben Chilwell has only just returned from a lengthy injury and is looking to prove himself again. Tuchel admires the England international as one of his key stars.

Behind him, Marcos Alonso has links with Barcelona and reportedly wants the move to Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Emerson Palmieri is a supposed Roma target.

Should both those players leave, Cucurella can expect game time, with Tuchel rotating his full-backs. However, the picture looks less clear for the Spaniard as it stands.