CHELSEA have completed the £62million signing of left-back Marc Cucurella – in time to make his debut at Everton tomorrow.
The Blues rushed through the paperwork on his switch from Brighton before the midday deadline and are confident the Spaniard will be able to play in the Premier League season opener at Goodison Park.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “He is hungry, mobile and a very intelligent player.
“He can play several positions in our system. It opens some options like for Levi Colwill to maybe find some more game time elsewhere.”
Tuchel believed Cucurella, 24, can operate in his back three as well as at left wing-back, where Ben Chilwell is still recovering from a long-term injury.
Cucurella has penned a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
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In announcing the transfer, Chelsea made a dig at Brighton’s social media post earlier in the week.
As reports suggested that a deal had been agreed to sell Cucurella on Wednesday, Brighton tweeted: “CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA.
“Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella.”
Referencing that tweet, Chelsea posted themselves: “CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA.
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“Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella.”
Upon signing for Chelsea, Cucurella told their club media: “I’m really happy.
“It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.”
Owner Todd Boehly added: “Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season.
“We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.”
Cucurella had been strongly linked with Prem champions Manchester City.
But as Brighton stood firm on their asking price, Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.
Cucurella is the Blues’ latest signing in what’s been a busy summer to date.
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Tuchel’s side have recruited superstars Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly – as well as rising talents Omari Hutchinson, Gabriel Slonina and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Meanwhile, Chelsea centre-back Colwill, who spent last season at Huddersfield, is joining Brighton on a season-long loan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
