Cucurella goes public on Chelsea future and admits Xabi Alonso attraction

13 Jun 2026 14:47 BST | 5 min read

Marc Cucurella, Chelsea, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has broken his silence over transfer rumours surrounding his future, with the former Brighton star admitting he is ‘attracted’ by Xabi Alonso’s project, even if he refused to rule out a summer move.

Article continues under the video

Along with Enzo Fernandez, Cucurella is a senior Chelsea star who has been strongly associated with a move away from the club.

Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 27-year-old Spain international, who is said to be targeting a return to his homeland after leaving Getafe for the Premier League in 2021.

Current ETV

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

Marc Cucurella

D (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€41.3M - €50.5M

Cucurella addresses exit rumours

Cucurella sought to brush off the issue when he was asked by Marca, indicating that he does not want to think about his future while he is at the World Cup, though he did state that he and his family are ‘very happy’ in London.

“I'm not reading much and I'm not paying much attention,” Cucurella said.

“My agents already know they don't have to tell me anything. I'm very happy where I am, and so is my family. Whatever happens, happens. Right now, I'm focused on the World Cup and enjoying this experience, which is my first and who knows if it will be my last.”

The left-back does seem to be seriously considering staying at Chelsea, having held talks not only with new manager Xabi Alonso, but also with players who have previously worked under him.

Asked if he is ‘attracted’ by the project the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss has proposed, he said: “Yes. I've spoken with him and he inspired a lot of confidence in me. I've also spoken with Grimaldo and Borja, who have worked with him, and they spoke very highly of him. The project seems very interesting.”

Cucurella to leave Chelsea: What the experts are saying

Fabrizio Romano has discussed the issue of Cucurella leaving Chelsea on his YouTube channel and echoed much of what the defender implied in his Marca interview.

The transfer expert said: “He is not going to create problems for Chelsea and he is not going to force a move.

“After the World Cup, the situation could change. Atletico Madrid are genuinely interested and would love to sign him. Then we have to see what happens at Barcelona, because he is a former player and there are people at the club who appreciate him.

“At the moment there is still no official bid and no official negotiation. There is genuine interest from Atletico Madrid, but we need patience.”

Reports in Spain, though, have been more emphatic in their belief that Cucurella wants to move on.

Mundo Deportivo reported this week: “He considers his time at Stamford Bridge to be completely over, and both he and the London club understand that the best solution is a move during this summer transfer window, provided an offer arrives that is appropriate to his quality and his transfer fee.”

Chelsea have been exploring options should Cucurella leave the club in the summer, with Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso outlined as a player who could act as an upgrade to the Spaniard should he leave.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store