Pep Guardiola has been looking for a left-back since he arrived at the Etihad in 2016. Benjamin Mendy is in jail, Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a move to Arsenal according to the Daily Express, and Joao Cancelo has played there on occasion.
City are looking to add to the midfield as Rodri
Manchester City have already made two big signings in the form of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, but it doesn’t look like the team will stop there. With their attack already strengthened, the Citizens are looking to add to the midfield as Rodri is on his own after the departure of Fernandinho. Kalvin Philips of Leeds is a target, while on the left, it looks as though the club have set their sights on Marc Cucurella. Pep Guardiola has been looking for a left-back since he arrived at the Etihad in 2016. Benjamin Mendy is in jail, Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a move to Arsenal according to the Daily Express, and Joao Cancelo has played there on occasion. However, the tactician wants a player to make the position his own, and that’s where Cucurella comes in.
Cucurella grew up in Barcelona and knows how to play football
As per information gathered by reporters, City are tracking the Spaniard and are set to make a bid, one that could reach as much as 40 million euros. Brighton signed Cucurella from Getafe for 18 million just a year ago, and the 23-year-old has turned into one of their greatest assets. Unfortunately for City, they aren’t the only side in the running, as Chelsea are looking to replace Marcos Alonso, who is wanted by Barcelona. Cucurella had an outstanding first season with Brighton, playing in 34 games and becoming a key figure for the club. “It feels like he’s been here all his life,” said Brighton manager Graham Potter. “He’s been critical since he arrived, and he’s infectious to his teammates. He has a great character and personality, and on the pitch, he brings energy and quality. He grew up in Barcelona and knew how to play football.”
Cucurella’s performances were so good that he was named Brighton’s MVP for the 2021/22 season by players and fans alike. Guardiola likes Cucurella’s versatility, as he’s played left-back in a back four and left-wingback in a back three. He’s even been used as an emergency centre-back. The former Getafe man can cover the entire left flank thanks to his physical abilities. He’s not afraid to join the attack, as only Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James made more key passes than him in the Premier League. These are the qualities Guardiola looks for as his City like to close down the opposing midfielders with full-backs before going to work and playing in the opposition half.