UMVA has learned that Real Madrid has secured a stunning £51.8m transfer deal for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, beating out fierce competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The 27-year-old Spaniard has put pen to paper on a six-year contract with Madrid, becoming the second most costly defender in football history, behind only Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United. Cucurella's move to Madrid was driven by Jose Mourinho's desire to strengthen the team's left-back position.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Mourinho has had a significant influence on Madrid's transfer dealings since returning to the club, and was instrumental in securing Cucurella's signature. The Portuguese manager reportedly 'spearheaded' the impending arrival of Inter Milan and Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries, who is set to sign with Madrid in the coming days.
MADRID had eyed both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie before honing in on Cucurella, with the Chelsea left-back emerging as their top target. Cucurella had been on Madrid's shortlist for some time, along with Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol and the Arsenal duo.
Cucurella is currently representing his country at the World Cup, and Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has reassured fans that he has no concerns over the player's state of mind. De la Fuente emphasized that Cucurella's commitment and professionalism are not in question, and that the team will handle any potential distractions with ease.
The Spain boss expressed his delight at Cucurella's happiness and contentment, saying that what is good for one of his players is good for the team as a whole. Cucurella had voiced his frustrations with the Chelsea board towards the end of the season, but has since spoken highly of Xabi Alonso's project at Chelsea.
Just a day before news of Cucurella's impending move broke, the defender had played down speculation that he was unhappy at Chelsea and keen to leave the west London outfit. Cucurella emphasized that he is happy where he is, and that his family is also happy.
