United line up surprise swoop for 27-yo Chelsea star, Blues ready to accept 43m offer – report

Manchester United have entered the picture amid uncertainty over Marc Cucurella’s future this summer. Cucurella, who joined Chelsea in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £63m, is widely expected to depart Stamford Bridge after publicly criticising the club’s apparent lack of ambition in their transfer strategy. United, meanwhile, are in the market for a new left-back following the departure of Tyrell Malacia. Manchester United interested in Marc Cucurella According to Monday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Manchester United and Manchester City have joined Barcelona in the race to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. It is claimed United have closely monitored the former Getafe man, who has already informed Chelsea of his desire to leave this summer. The parties understand that it is best to part ways and Chelsea need a convincing offer. The Catalan publication suggests the Blues would be willing to sell for €40-50m (£34.5-£43.2m). Cucurella is a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy and would like to return to his former club.  However, Barcelona’s priority is reportedly strengthen other areas and they would only consider signing the 27-year-old him if Alejandro Balde were to move elsewhere. Manchester United linked with Alejandro Balde Interestingly, United have also shown interest in Balde, who is known for his explosive pace and dribbling ability. It has been previously reported that United have held talks to sign the Spain international, who fits the exact profile Jason Wilcox is seeking for Luke Shaw’s competition.  However, Balde has struggled with injury issues over the past 24 months or so, and things might get worse in a more physical league. As such, United would be wise to make a move for Cucurella rather than helping Barca land the Premier League-proven Spaniard by taking Balde off their hands. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!