Chelsea find budget Cucurella replacement that could be Alonso's perfect fit

24 Jun 2026 12:03 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Chelsea could turn to a surprising option to replace Marc Cucurella at left-back after identifying a underrated Premier League star as a target to add experience to their back line.

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The Blues are in the market for defenders after selling Cucurella to Real Madrid for €60 million earlier this month and they are closing in on a deal to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a similar fee, who can play at both left and right back.

However, with doubts over the futures of players such as Malo Gusto, Chelsea could still look to add more depth at wing-back, particularly with incoming manager Xabi Alonso preferring to utilise those options heavily.

Chelsea’s search has allegedly led them to Gabriel Gudmundsson, with Swedish outlet Expressen claiming that the Leeds left-back has emerged onto the London club’s radar.

Current ETV

Gabriel Gudmundsson

D, M (L)

Leeds Utd

Gabriel Gudmundsson

D, M (L)

Leeds Utd

ETV Range

€18.5M - €22.7M

Gudmundsson joined Leeds for €12m last summer and the 27-year-old is currently at the 2026 World Cup with Sweden, where he has started their opening two games playing at left midfield.

Leeds are said to be open to his sale for the right offer and, while Gudmundsson is considered one of many potential options, he has allegedly been discussed internally by Chelsea to be a potential target for their squad building this summer.

Gabriel Gudmundsson: Chelsea’s answer to new look policy under Xabi Alonso?

Gudmundsson made 32 appearances in his debut Premier League season for Leeds, often featuring all down the left flank as well as a handful of appearances at centre-back.

© IMAGO - Gabriel Gudmundsson is wanted by Chelsea.

The former Lille man would likely be a squad player at Chelsea but his attacking capabilities make him a suited player in Alonso’s preferred wing-back system, according to SciSports.

Gudmundsson is a player who enjoys carrying the ball and crossing it, with Chelsea desperate to replace Cucurella’s width down the left side in a costly manner.

© IMAGO - Gabriel Gudmundsson's skillset as per SciSports.

SciSports determine Gudmundsson’s Expected Transfer Value (ETV) to be around €20.6m and, at that price, Chelsea know they will be getting an experienced international who has already settled into life in the Premier League.

While it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will go for a player like Gudmundsson or a bigger name, the Leeds star fits the tactical mould while also providing the low-cost experience that the club’s new transfer policy desires, suggesting that the links may not be as surprising as they initially sound.

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