have agreed personal terms with Marc Cucurella as Chelsea close in on a deal for the Brighton defender, according to reports.
have had multiple bids for Cucurella rejected by Brighton and the Premier League champions are refusing to meet Brighton’s £50 million asking price.
Chelsea have now moved to hijack City’s attempt to sign Cucurella and have indicated that they are willing to meet Brighton’s valuation.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made a significant breakthrough as they have agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old.
Cucurella is now ready to join Chelsea once the club reach an agreement over a fee with Brighton.
Cucurella had been intent on joining Manchester City this summer and submitted a transfer request last week in order to force though a move.
But Chelsea are now in the driving seat to sign the Spaniard as Thomas Tuchel seeks to bolster his defence ahead of the new season.
Chelsea are also trying to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City but Brendan Rodgers is adamant that the 21-year-old will not be sold.
‘No, he’s not for sale,’ Rodgers said.
‘When we looked at him he had made 17 league starts. Everyone had a look at him back then but he’s come here, really flourished and developed, not just as a player but as a young man.
‘He really respects the club, I’ve got no doubt that in the future he’ll be on that [highest] stage but he’s very comfortable, he feels good here.
‘He has a great relationship with his team-mates which is important and there’s no doubt he will grace that stage. But for now he’s here, he’s developing and like I said he’s not for sale.
‘He’s maybe got an opportunity to get himself in the France squad for the World Cup and for that it’s about playing, so I’m pretty calm on it. I’ve had long chats with him.
‘He can’t stop the speculation but he’s very concentrated on his work here and very focused on his development.’
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