Marc Cucurella latest: Man City willing to pay ‘£40m’ for Brighton star after ‘transfer request’

Manchester City begin the 2022/23 season with just two senior full-backs, as their pursuit of Marc Cucurella continues.

Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo will be the only fit, senior options for Pep Guardiola in the wide defensive areas when they face Liverpool in Saturday’s Community Shield, following the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal earlier this month.

Full-back has been a problem position for City in recent times, with John Stones and Nathan Ake filling in there on a few occasions last season, while rookie CJ Egan-Riley had to play at right-back for the second leg of the Champions League last-16 second tie against Sporting Lisbon last term.

It’s why City are keen to strengthen in defence, with the positionally adept Cucurella, who graduated from Barcelona’s famous youth system and is now experienced at Premier League level, an ideal candidate for Guardiola.

But securing his services will not be straightforward according to the latest reports…

What was reported on Friday?

It has been previously reported Cucurella and City have agreed personal terms for the transfer, but a stumbling block remains the fee to be paid for the 24-year-old.

On Friday, the Guardian claimed Brighton are holding out for a price of around £50m for the defender’s services, while City’s best offer remains at £30m.

BBC Sport reported that the champions view the £50m valuation as unrealistic, while according to the Telegraph, City are not willing to pay any more than £40m for Cucurella.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claim City have identified Alex Grimaldo and Borna Sosa as alternatives should they miss out on the Spaniard.

What has Guardiola had to say?

The City boss was asked about Cucurella in Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Liverpool, but was giving little away.

“He’s a Brighton player, I cannot say anything else,” was Guardiola’s terse response.

However, the Catalan did admit he wants to add a new left-back to his squad. “If it’s possible, yes [to strengthen at left-back],” said Guardiola. “If it’s not, we stay with what we have.

“Cancelo can play there, [Josh] Wilson-Esbrand, Ake… I never complain about the squad I have”.