In a major shake-up at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is facing the exit door as new manager Enzo Maresca prepares to wield the axe on his squad this summer.
The Spanish left-back, who joined the Blues in a big-money £62 million move from Brighton just two years ago, has been identified as one of the first high-profile casualties of the post-Pochettino era. Despite a strong finish to the season, the club's new hierarchy sees him as dispensable.
Maresca's Ruthless New Regime Begins
Former Leicester City boss Maresca, who was officially appointed as Chelsea's new head coach earlier this week, is wasting no time in putting his stamp on the team. Club sources indicate a desire to recoup a significant portion of the initial investment made in Cucurella, with several clubs already showing interest.
The 25-year-old's departure would mark a dramatic U-turn in his Chelsea career. After a difficult start and being deemed surplus to requirements last summer, he fought his way back into contention under Mauricio Pochettino, making 24 Premier League appearances in the most recent campaign.
Defensive Reshuffle Underway
Cucurella's potential exit signals the start of a broader defensive restructuring. The club is already well-stocked in the full-back positions, with Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, and Malo Gusto all providing cover. This surplus has made the Spaniard expendable as Maresca looks to balance the books and reshape the squad in his image.
The move represents a clear shift in strategy from the new coaching regime, prioritising financial pragmatism and squad balance over retaining expensive assets who may not fit the long-term tactical plan.
