Maresca handed Man City blow as Cucurella decides next club

Enzo Maresca was interested in Marc Cucurella but Chelsea star set to join Real Madrid for €60M

Incoming Man City boss worked with Cucurella during his time at Stamford Bridge

City had indicated they were not actively in the market for a left-back despite Maresca’s interest

Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca had reportedly shown interest in Marc Cucurella, who is set to join Real Madrid from Chelsea for €60M.

Maresca’s relationship with Cucurella from their time together in west London had generated persistent speculation about a potential reunion as the Italian awaits a resolution in compensation talks between Chelsea and Manchester City for him return to the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola‘s successor

Cucurella, 27, had been identified as a player Maresca was keen to work with again at the Etihad Stadium, with the 46-year-old having held preliminary talks with City sporting director Hugo Viana over the club’s plans for the summer transfer window and pre-season.

It is understood that City are not in the market for a left-back this summer, however, with the presence of Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake providing sufficient depth across the left side – effectively bringing the pursuit to a natural conclusion before Real Madrid’s move accelerated matters further.

Report: Cucurella set for Real Madrid as City interest fades

As reported by The Athetic’s David Ornstein, Maresca had shown interest in Marc Cucurella, who has agreed to join Real Madrid from Chelsea for €60 million as part of a major summer squad revamp orchestrated by club president Florentino Perez and new head coach Jose Mourinho.

Cucurella’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu effectively closes the door on any possibility of Maresca reuniting with the Spain international this summer, with Real Madrid having moved quickly and decisively to secure a left-back of genuine quality and experience at the top level of European football.

City’s position on left-back had been complicated by the fact that a person with knowledge of Maresca’s outlook had indicated the incoming manager would be interested in adding a new option in the position, even as the club’s official stance was that they were not actively pursuing one this summer.

What is the wider context for City’s left-back plans?

Cucurella’s departure to Madrid removes one of the more intriguing subplots of City’s summer, though the outcome may ultimately suit both parties given the depth already available to Maresca in that area of the pitch.

O’Reilly’s emergence as one of the most dynamic left-sided players in the Premier League last season, combined with Ait-Nouri’s consistency and Gvardiol’s ability to play across the defensive line, gives Maresca significant options without the need for further investment in the position.

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