The new Premier League season kicks off in a few days and as a result, Chelsea are understandably scrambling to get reinforcements through the door in time for their opening game away to Everton this weekend.
Over the past few hours, the London giants have taken two huge steps in the transfer window. One centers on their pursuit of a defender, with the Blues tabling an official bid for highly-rated left-back Marc Cucurella.
Tuchel's side are rivaling Manchester City for the Spanish talent and are willing to meet Brighton's hefty price tag, having offered over £50M ($60M) for the 24-year-old. According to several sources, the player has agreed personal terms with the FIFA Club World Cup holders but it remains to be seen whether the Seagulls will accept that huge offer from Chelsea or wait for a response – and potential bidding war – from Manchester City.
Chelsea have submitted bid worth more than £50m for Marc Cucurella on Tuesday evening. Club now hopeful to reach full agreement with Brighton, still no official answer - Cucurella's pushing to join Chelsea, he wants the move #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2022
Levi Colwill, discussed in separated deal. pic.twitter.com/BHIItqbDHj
The pursuit of Cucurella is an interesting one as it would see Stamford Bridge add another talented full-back to their roster while strengthen the center-back position as the Spaniard has played in the back three for Potter's side on occasion. And to make things even better, he isn't the only addition the London giants are eyeing.
As revealed by the reliable David Ornstein of the Athletic, Boehly and Co. have officially entered the race for Barcelona sensation Frenkie de Jong. It has been known for some time that the Premier League heavyweights were eyeing a hijack of Manchester United's well-known pursuit but only now have Tuchel's side thrown their hat in the ring.
According to Ornstein, Chelsea have entered into talks with the Spanish giants and while the player's preference continues to be a Camp Nou stay, the Blues are confident of striking a deal with the Catalan outfit. It should be noted that reaching an agreement with Barcelona isn't the crucial part as the Red Devils already have a deal in place with De Jong's employers. The issue is getting the Dutchman to sign off on a transfer.
So far, the midfielder has resisted all attempts from Manchester United. However, one thing working in Chelsea's favor is the fact that Frenkie prefers Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford as Tuchel's side are a team with UEFA Champions League football and a greater chance of challenging for major trophies this upcoming season.
Barcelona want around €80m for Frenkie de Jong having previously agreed a slightly higher €85m deal with #MUFC. #CFC are now in direct talks. De Jong has been consistent that he wants to stay but refused to take a pay cut. He is more open to Stamford Bridge than Old Trafford.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 3, 2022
So far, Boehly and Co. have meet with heartbreak all summer. They lost the race for Raphinha and Jules Kounde while failing with their last-minute attempts to hijack Arsenal's deal for Gabriel Jesus and Tottenham's move for Richarlison. Nonetheless, beating Manchester City and Manchester United to Marc Cucurella and Frenkie de Jong would both strengthen their squad and regain them some honor.
