UMVA has learned that Chelsea has sent a clear message to Atletico Madrid regarding the valuation of Marc Cucurella, slapping a hefty £61m price tag on the talented left-back.
This significant valuation is a strong indication that Atletico will have to dig deep into their pockets if they want to secure Cucurella's services. According to information obtained by UMVA, Atletico is expected to initiate talks with Chelsea in the coming weeks, as the Spanish club has made Cucurella one of their top defensive targets for the summer.
Chelsea's asking price of around €70m/£61m is considerably higher than Atletico's preferred deal of around €50m/£43m. However, this high valuation makes sense from Chelsea's perspective, as Cucurella has evolved into a vital player and a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues paid an initial £55m, rising to £62m with add-ons, for Cucurella's services, and selling him cheaply would be illogical, especially with three years remaining on his contract. Atletico's interest in Cucurella is understandable, given his aggressive, intense, and technically sound playing style, which fits Diego Simeone's team well.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Atletico has already been in contact with Cucurella's camp, and the player is believed to be open to a return to La Liga. However, Chelsea does not appear desperate to sell, but they are willing to listen to offers that meet their valuation.
Chelsea's position seems correct, as they hold the stronger hand due to Cucurella's contract and importance to the squad. If Atletico comes close to £60m, Chelsea should seriously consider the offer. But if the bid is closer to £40m, they should walk away, as Cucurella has rebuilt his reputation and Chelsea should not undervalue that.
