Chelsea transfer news: Blues uncertainty has Atletico Madrid dreaming of ‘dream signing’

Atletico Madrid have already begun their planning for next season and have identified a number of priority areas in which to strengthen the squad. Among them, left-back stands out as one of the main concerns for the board and the coaching staff.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, one of the names most appealing to the Spanish club for the position is Marc Cucurella, currently at Chelsea and set to represent Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

The need to strengthen the area was acknowledged by manager Diego Simeone himself over the course of the season. As a result, Atletico began to monitor options on the market, and the Spanish full-back has emerged as one of the club's preferred targets.

Atletico Madrid see an opportunity in Chelsea's difficult spell

Despite their interest, Atletico know that any negotiation would not be straightforward. Cucurella is an undisputed starter at Chelsea and ranks among the most important players in the English club's squad. Even so, the Madrid side believe they have a factor in their favour as they look to push the talks forward: the situation the Blues have endured in 2025-26.

Chelsea's campaign was defined by below-par performances. The London club finished the Premier League season in 10th place and missed out on European competition, something unusual in the team's recent history.

Before that, the Blues had enjoyed a long spell of consistency on the continental stage. For 10 consecutive years, the club secured qualification for European tournaments, while also collecting silverware and further strengthening their standing among the continent's leading powers.

The picture changed in 2025-26. Internal problems, managerial changes and difficulties on the pitch had a direct impact on the team's output, culminating in their absence from continental competition next season.

That context could turn into an opportunity for clubs interested in Chelsea players. For players accustomed to competing in European tournaments, being left out of that picture could influence decisions about their future.

In Cucurella's case, the matter carries even more weight. The defender has five Premier League seasons behind him, with spells at Chelsea and Brighton. For the Blues, he has made 163 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 11 assists in that time. On top of that, he has featured in European competition in every season since arriving at the London club.

Xabi Alonso could influence the future of Chelsea's stars

Another factor that could weigh directly on Marc Cucurella's future is the arrival of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea manager.

The Spanish manager will be tasked with assessing the squad and evaluating every available player before settling on his plans for next season. Through that process, some players may be allowed to negotiate with other clubs, while others are expected to remain part of the new sporting project.

The decision over Cucurella also hinges on that internal assessment carried out by the new boss. The full-back, however, is not the only target Atletico Madrid are monitoring on the market.

According to further information from Marca, the Spanish club are also working to sign Bernardo Silva. The Manchester City midfielder is among the names being considered by Atletico as they look to bolster their squad.