According to a report from Skysports, Manchester City offered £30 million for Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella but the Seagulls have rejected the bid stating that it falls well short of their valuation, which is understood to be £50 million. This puts Pep Guardiola in a bit of a bind.
Cucurella’s Amazing Campaign At The Amex Stadium
Cucurella has adapted to the Premier League exceptionally well as his move from Getafe has turned out to be a huge success. He has established himself as a key player for the Seagulls. The Spanish left-back has produced some influential displays at the defensive end as he managed to score a goal and produce two assists in 38 matches last season across all competitions.
The U-23 capped Spain international has performed consistently based on his averages of 0.5 shots, 0.8 dribbles, 1.2 key passes, 2.7 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game in the top tier of English football.
He has also been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 82% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Manchester City Boss Guardiola Give Up On Cucurella?
Pep Guardiola needs immediate reinforcements in the defensive department, particularly in the left-back position, and Cucurella is a perfect fit. His arrival at the Etihad stadium would pave the way for Joao Cancelo to play in his preferred position rather than covering the opposite flank. The Spanish youngster will take no time to adapt to Guardiola’s playstyle as he already adapted to the Premier League last season.
If City loses out on Cucurella, it will turn out to be a huge disappointment considering that they haven’t identified other players to be a decent replacement for Zinchenko after his exit to Arsenal.
The Sky Blues should revise their offer to come close to Brighton’s demands since Marc Cucurella is a player with immense potential, and he could add more depth to Guardiola’s backline.