Marc Cucurella: Brighton make Chelsea pay ‘considerably’ higher than first thought, as true cost emerges following successful medical

Marc Cucurella laughing with Graham Potter Credit: PA Images

Marc Cucurella has completed a medical ahead of his move to Chelsea, though new reports state the Blues are paying far more than first claimed.

Chelsea and Man City both pursued the Brighton left-back following an outstanding maiden campaign in England. City were first to act, lodging three separate bids worth £30m, £35m and then £40m. All were rejected by Brighton.

Instead, the Seagulls placed a £50m valuation on Cucurella – a figure close to three and a half times what they paid Getafe just 12 months ago (£15.4m).

However, once the 24-year-old handed in a transfer request in order to accelerate a move, reports claimed Brighton raised the asking price.

Chelsea look certain to be the biggest spenders in the final month of the window. Where City refused to go above £40m, the Blues had no qualms.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano was among the trusted sources to report Chelsea had seen a bid worth over £50m (speculated to be £52.5m) accepted by Brighton.

However, according to the Athletic, Chelsea will in fact be paying ‘considerably more’ than just £52.5m.

They claimed a higher figure has been ‘agreed’, though it was Romano who had the finer details and exact amounts.

The transfer guru tweeted Chelsea will fork out a fixed fee of £55m with a further £7m potentially making its way to the AMEX via add-ons. In total, the final reckoning could reach £62m.

Cucurella has already agreed personal terms and Romano added the Spaniard has also passed a medical on Thursday night in London.

He concluded the move is expected to be officially announced ‘this week’. The Athletic went one better, claiming the announcement could come ‘tomorrow’ (Friday).

Levi Colwill deal clarified

Moving in the opposite direction in a separate deal will be left-sided centre-half, Levi Colwill.

The 19-year-old shone on loan with Huddersfield Town last season. However, he won’t be given the chance to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

Colwill will join Brighton on a season-long loan, resigning reports of a permanent £25m deal this summer to the history books.

Story continues

Whether an option or obligation to buy will be included wasn’t specified by any source as yet. Confirmation of Colwill’s move is also expected on Friday.

Cucurella a godsend for Tuchel

The Spaniard scooped both Brighton’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards last year. Clearly, he will arrive at Stamford Bridge primed to make a big impact in a league he has already taken in his stride.

What’s more, his versatility will ensure his new manager never lacks for a place to play him.

The German boss primarily operates with a back five, though rumours have persisted he may eventually switch to a back four.

Regardless, Cucurella will find a place in any system being capable of playing at left wing-back, left-back, or left centre-back in a three.

If that wasn’t positive news enough, the fact they’ve signed a player title rivals Man City wanted speaks volumes as to how big of a coup Chelsea are pulling off – even if they’re paying more than first thought.

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