According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are set to submit an opening bid to sign Tottenham target Marc Cucurella.
What’s the story?
Well, Pep Guardiola is looking to raid fellow Premier League side Brighton for their starting left-back, less than 12 months after they signed him from Getafe in a £15m deal.
The Spaniard enjoyed a phenomenal debut campaign in England, making 38 appearances in all competitions as the Seagulls finished ninth in the Premier League.
Now, Cucurella could be joining the champions of England.
Romano believes the Citizens are now ready to make their first offer, and advanced talks will be held once the bid is submitted.
Guardiola is desperate to sign the 23-year-old, and Romano adds that Cucurella is Manchester City’s No.1 target to improve the left-back department.
In our view, this update won’t please Antonio Conte.
The Italian is also said to be keen on signing the Spaniard, and was considering a £17m bid.
However, Brighton have told both Manchester City and Spurs to pay £45m for Cucurella, a fee which Guardiola is far likelier to stump up than Conte is.
Tottenham should leave Marc Cucurella to Manchester City
In our view, Spurs should withdraw from the race to sign Cucurella.
£45m is a very steep asking price, and in light of Romano’s update, it seems Manchester City are happy to pay it – or at least submit a bid close to that sum.
Conte already has Ryan Sessegnon, Sergio Reguilon and now Ivan Perisic, who is capable of playing as a left wing-back in addition to other areas of the pitch.
Therefore, while upgrades can certainly be found on Reguilon and Sessegnon, there shouldn’t be much urgency given the depth Tottenham have in that area.
Having said that, Reguilon could be leaving north London, so if the Spaniard does depart, then maybe a more serious attempt should be made for a left-back.
With a £45m asking price, however, Cucurella should be left alone by Conte.
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