Cucurella: "Mourinho called me, I'm ready for a new life"
Marc Cucurella is leaving and he is not hiding his excitement. The left-back has opened up about his move to Real Madrid, revealing José Mourinho reached out to him personally and Florentino Pérez made a direct request to bring him in (6).
"I still haven't fully processed it," Cucurella said from Spain camp. "We're isolated from the outside world here, so it feels like nothing has changed. But I'm looking forward to starting a new life, meeting my teammates, seeing the training ground and the Bernabéu. It's a big change after so many years at Chelsea, but I'm excited to experience it" (6).
He also singled out Enzo Fernández for praise and called Lamine Yamal "incredible" in the same interview (6).
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Chelsea already on the hunt for his replacement
Pep Chavarria is the name. Chelsea have opened talks with Rayo Vallecano for the left-back, and Fabrizio Romano reports the player is keen on the move (2). The 22-year-old is seen as Cucurella's long-term successor.
Lacroix deal close, Palace already moving on
Maxence Lacroix is nearing a Chelsea switch. The clearest signal yet: Crystal Palace are already searching for his replacement (4). The centre-back would be the first defensive signing of the Xabi Alonso era.
Andrey Santos could be sold
One season in and there is already a price tag. Chelsea have received interest in Andrey Santos and would let the midfielder go if the right offer arrives (1). No club names yet, but the "admirers" are circling.
Slonina to Parma, a test case for Alonso
Gabriel Slonina is in talks with Parma, and the deal matters beyond the fee (5). It would be the first clear test of Xabi Alonso's ability to raise transfer capital by moving on surplus players. A clean exit, if it gets done.
Third-choice goalkeeper search hits Brighton
Chelsea have contacted Brighton over a deal for a third-choice goalkeeper (3). No name confirmed, but the club are actively working on the depth chart behind the sticks.
Fan-reaktioner
The subreddit is buzzing with Granit Xhaka talk, Simon Johnson reports a second Chelsea bid is coming and the player wants the move, while Sunderland believe he is pushing for an exit (link). Meanwhile, Frank Leboeuf has backed the club's decision to call out Enzo Maresca over his mid-season departure (link), and City's interest in Malo Gusto is real, but that £75m valuation has them backing off (link).
