Chelsea’s Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has ended up on Real Madrid’s wish list for a left-back.
Real Madrid have conceded six goals in as many games in La Liga this season, although three of those have come against Atletico Madrid. Even if it is early in the season, there is a general feeling that without Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao in the squad, Los Blancos are more vulnerable at the back.
Without a top-class striker in their squad, the chances of getting past their opposition are slimmer this season too, meaning their defensive record becomes all the more important.
Part of the reason for their struggles has been the full-backs. Dani Carvajal has been excellent but Lucas Vazquez has struggled to cope with Atletico, with Carvajal once again dealing with physical problems.
Ferland Mendy has been unreliable in terms of availability for some time, so Fran Garcia has been entrusted on the left wing. Despite some good performances, he has also been exposed defensively.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has yet to feature for Mauricio Pochettino this season, and a number of reports suggest he will be looking for a move away this January, having also been close to leaving at the end of the summer transfer window.
According to Sport newspaper, Real Madrid have inquired about Cucurella and would be interested in a low-cost loan deal in January. They have no intention of spending the roughly €50 million Chelsea asked for in the summer on a permanent deal.
Cucurella came through Barcelona’s academy and has always been a Barcelona fan, but it seems unlikely that a better option will come his way in January either.
Real Madrid, if they stick to the current system, would require Cucurellas to cover the entire left wing himself, while in Spain his best success came as a left midfielder.