Chelsea are considering selling another full-back after Marc Cucurella completed a £52m move to Real Madrid. The Spain left-back signed a six-year deal at the Bernabeu, joining former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. According to The Sun, the future of Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto is now 'far from certain', with Stamford Bridge bosses considering cashing in on the 23-year-old.
Gusto's Chelsea career and World Cup involvement
Gusto has made more than 100 appearances for the Blues since his £31m move from Lyon in 2023, including 49 last season. He is currently at the World Cup with France but was an unused substitute in their opening group game against Senegal. The report claims that Manchester City's reported interest in Gusto is wide of the mark, but there is still 'no guarantee' he will remain at Chelsea come the start of next season.
Potential replacement and Cucurella's departure
If Gusto leaves, highly-rated 20-year-old academy graduate Josh Acheampong could be in line for more game-time. A number of clubs have expressed interest in signing Acheampong, but he is believed to be one of several 'untouchable' members of Chelsea's squad. Cucurella discussed his move for the first time before Spain's World Cup win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday. 'If you had asked me a few months ago, I probably would have said I don't expect to leave Chelsea,' Cucurella said. 'I was very happy there and so was my family. It isn't easy leaving Chelsea. I arrived as a young kid, I dreamed of winning trophies and Chelsea gave me that, but I think the step to go to Real Madrid now is bigger.'
Cucurella added: 'I have the chance to come back to my country, to one of the best clubs in the world, and I think it is a step I need to make. It is a decision that wasn't easy, but it is right for me and my family. Madrid came in strongly, which was very important to me. My situation wasn't easy so having the chance to finalise my transfer before the World Cup started was crucial. When a team like Madrid comes calling, it is very hard to say no. I had no doubts though as it is a huge step in my career.'
Chelsea's turbulent season and managerial changes
Chelsea were expected to kick on under Enzo Maresca after winning the Club World Cup last summer, but slumped to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League. Both Maresca and his immediate replacement Liam Rosenior lost their jobs at Stamford Bridge, with Xabi Alonso now preparing to take over from the start of July. Alonso, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, officially takes over at Chelsea on a four-year contract. Cucurella was one of a number of Chelsea stars linked with summer moves after a desperately disappointing season for the Blues. Enzo Fernandez is equally keen to secure a summer switch, and several other former teammates have been linked with moves.
