Chelsea has agreed on personal terms with Marc Cucurella as Chelsea closed in on a deal for the Brighton defender, according to reports.
Manchester City has had multiple bids for Cucurella rejected by Brighton and the Premier League champions are refusing to meet Brighton’s £50 million asking price.
Chelsea has now moved to hijack City’s attempt to sign Cucurella and has indicated that they are willing to meet Brighton’s valuation.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea has made a significant breakthrough as they have agreed on personal terms with the 24-year-old.
Cucurella is now ready to join Chelsea once the club reach an agreement over a fee with Brighton.
Cucurella had been intent on joining Manchester City this summer and submitted a transfer request last week in order to force through a move.
But Chelsea are now in the driving seat to sign the Spaniard as Thomas Tuchel seeks to bolster his defence ahead of the new season.
Chelsea is also trying to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City but Brendan Rodgers is adamant that the 21-year-old will not be sold.
‘No, he’s not for sale,’ Rodgers said.
‘When we looked at him he had made 17 league starts. Everyone had a look at him back then but he’s come here, really flourished and developed, not just as a player but as a young man.
‘He really respects the club, I’ve got no doubt that in the future he’ll be on that [highest] stage but he’s very comfortable, he feels good here.
