Manchester City have Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko who can operate at left-back, but Benjamin Mendy has likely played his final game for the club after being charged for rape and sexual assault, so Pep Guardiola wants a replacement ahead of next season.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella appears to be their main transfer target, having shone in his debut season at the Amex Stadium, and Noel Whelan can see why. He was full of praise for the 23-year-old and believes City’s shouldn’t hesitate to sign him.
Whelan told Football Insider: “He’s an excellent player. I saw that first hand at Elland Road. He’s an outstanding attacking full-back but he can defend one-on-one as well. He’s quick to get up the pitch, loves to get on the ball – I was really impressed.
“I can see why clubs want to get him. He’s only been at Brighton for a year but he’s really shone through. Brighton would sell for the right price, as well. They’ll be relying on perhaps a big sale or two in order to have money to spend this summer themselves. wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave this summer.”
Cucurella joined the Seagulls on a five-year deal from Getafe last summer, setting Albion back £16.2m. He’s gone on to make 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal with two assists. The Spanish international has made 42 chances, whipped in 115 crosses and has had 28 successful dribbles, so he has all the attributes to be an effective left-back.
City would reportedly have to pay around £45m to procure his signature and it does appear they’re keen to get a deal over the line, so Brighton could end up making nearly three times what they paid for Cucurella less than a year ago.
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He’d be mad to leave Brighton after one season. He’s nailed on first choice at the Albion but wouldn’t be at City. Cancelo is first choice there with Zinchenko no slouch either.