Marc Cucurella tops Atletico Madrid's left-back shortlist

Atletico Madrid have identified Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella as their primary target to strengthen at left-back this summer, according to reports in Spain. The 27-year-old Spaniard is said to be at the top of Atletico's shortlist as they seek a long-term solution on the left side of their defence.

Atletico's sporting director, Mateu Alemany, is leading the club's recruitment drive and is actively working on deals across the pitch. The club is looking to strengthen in all areas, with a midfielder and a forward also on the agenda following the confirmed departure of Antoine Griezmann. Cucurella, who has two years remaining on his Chelsea contract, is considered the ideal candidate, but the Spanish club are aware a deal is considered a long shot, with Chelsea showing no inclination to sell.

The 27-year-old left-back, who previously played for Eibar and Getafe in La Liga, has previously expressed a desire to return to Spanish football at some point in his career. In a recent interview, Cucurella admitted he would find it difficult to turn down a return to Barcelona, the club where he was developed, but his openness to a return to Spain has encouraged Atletico Madrid. The Spanish international has made 31 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions this season.

Atletico's interest is not new, with the club having shown interest in Cucurella before his move to the Premier League. The club is actively exploring alternatives, however, with Espanyol's Carlos Romero, Sporting CP's Maxi Araujo, Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown all on their radar should a move for the Chelsea man prove impossible. The club is currently relying on Matteo Ruggeri and the versatile David Hancko in the position, but Diego Simeone is keen to add a specialist.