Chelsea have identified Leeds United left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson as a potential replacement for Marc Cucurella, according to Swedish outlet Expressen. The Blues are in the market for defensive reinforcements following Cucurella’s €60 million transfer to Real Madrid earlier this month.
Chelsea are also nearing a deal for Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, who can feature at both left and right back, but with uncertainty surrounding the future of Malo Gusto, the club may seek further depth in the wing-back positions, particularly with incoming manager Xabi Alonso reportedly favouring their use. Gudmundsson has emerged as a viable option to bolster the squad.
Gudmundsson joined Leeds for €12 million last summer and has quickly become a regular for the club, making 32 appearances in his debut Premier League season. The 27-year-old is currently representing Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, starting in their opening two matches in a left midfield role. Leeds are reportedly open to considering offers for the player.
While Gudmundsson may initially serve as a squad player at Chelsea, his attacking attributes align with Alonso’s preferred wing-back system, as determined by SciSports. He is known for his ability to carry the ball and deliver crosses, qualities Chelsea are seeking to replace following Cucurella’s departure. SciSports currently values Gudmundsson at around €20.6 million, making him an affordable and experienced option for the London club.
Chelsea’s new transfer policy prioritises experience and players already acclimated to the Premier League, and Gudmundsson appears to fit that profile. The links to the Leeds player may therefore be more strategic than initially perceived, suggesting a shift towards pragmatic recruitment under Alonso.
