Real Madrid have reportedly struck a verbal agreement to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, with Jose Mourinho playing a key role in the deal. The 27-year-old left-back's future has been the subject of intense speculation, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Los Blancos all expressing strong interest.
Cucurella's Frustrations at Chelsea
Cucurella went public with his frustrations regarding decisions at Stamford Bridge, questioning the dismissal of former manager Enzo Maresca and pointing to a lack of experience in the dressing room. Barcelona, where Cucurella rose through the academy, were initially considered frontrunners, but Real Madrid have now leapfrogged them.
Verbal Agreement Reached
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Madrid have a verbal agreement with all parties, including Cucurella himself. The full-back will complete his move once Spain's involvement in the World Cup concludes. Mourinho made it clear to Madrid's hierarchy that Cucurella was his top target at left-back.
Chelsea are reportedly demanding a fee of around €70 million (£61 million) for Cucurella, who is believed to have submitted a transfer request.
Cucurella's Comments on Future
Prior to Spain's World Cup opener with Cape Verde, Cucurella played down speculation about his unhappiness at Chelsea. He told El Partidazo de COPE: 'Right now I don't want to talk about that. It's true that I'm very happy where I am, my family is very happy. Whatever you do, don't drive me crazy with transfer questions.'
When asked about Xabi Alonso's project at Chelsea, Cucurella added: 'Yes. I've spoken with him and he inspired a lot of confidence in me. I've also spoken with Grimaldo and Borja Iglesias, who have worked with him, and they spoke very highly of him. The project seems very interesting.'
