The latest on Chelsea’s transfer plans following Marc Cucurella’s departure this summer with the Spain international joining Real Madrid on a six-year contract
Marc Cucurella has joined Real Madrid(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport)
Chelsea are targeting at least two starting-level players this summer following the departure of Marc Cucurella to join Real Madrid, football.london understands.
The Blues will look to add two ready-made players to Xabi Alonso’s options in time for the new season after Cucurella ended his four-year Blues tenure on Monday morning, with Los Blancos announcing the £51.7million (£47.4m fixed plus £4.3m in add-ons) deal.
Cucurella informed Chelsea of his desire to leave recently, with sources now saying the decision was down to personal and family reasons.
The Blues then worked with Cucurella and his entourage to try and find the best solution for all parties. Real Madrid came in late following interest from their La Liga rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and got the deal done extremely quickly, with Jose Mourinho determined to add the left-back to his new squad.
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Chelsea insiders have expressed the club’s delight with the financial aspect of the deal. Given Cucurella is 27 and had three years remaining on his contract, there is a belief the Blues got significant value in the transfer market – and also extremely early on in the summer window.
Alonso, who begins his role as Chelsea manager on July 1, will work collaboratively with the club’s five sporting directors this summer to try and build a competitive squad in time for his debut season. Sources say bringing two new ready-made players to the club will help Alonso settle in and compete for major honours over a long-term period.
Blues chiefs are delighted with how Netherlands international Jorrel Hato has progressed since the turn of the year. Hato’s form in 2026 was a big contributing factor in Chelsea allowing Cucurella to move on this summer. After making just nine appearances in all competitions from August to the end of December, Hato, who is still only 20 years old, has featured 27 times for Chelsea in 2026.