Chelsea take strong stance on Marc Cucurella amid Al-Nassr interest

Spain international Marc Cucurella has been linked with Saudi club Al-Nassr but is considered unlikely to leave Chelsea, according to latest report.

Cucurella has become an important figure in Enzo Maresca’s team at Stamford Bridge, after initially struggling when he joined from Brighton for big money in 2022.

The talented full-back was instrumental for Chelsea as they won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup some weeks ago. His form has caught the attention of Al-Nassr who are reportedly eyeing a move this summer.

However, latest report from football.london state Chelsea have “no intention” of parting ways with Cucurella.

Cristiano Ronaldo was credited as the source of Al-Nassr interest, thought to have personally told the Saudi Pro League club to pursue Cucurella. It comes after Al-Nassr agreed a deal with Chelsea for the permanent transfer of Joao Felix, Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate who has already started training with the club, despite no official announcement of his move.

Cucurella made 54 appearances for Chelsea across the 2024-25 season, including nine in the UEFA Conference League and six in the FIFA Club World Cup. His 4,346 minutes on the pitch was the most out of anyone in the squad, leading Moises Caicedo (4,289) and Cole Palmer (4,247).

The Spain international is currently on holiday and will only join his Chelsea teammates for pre-season in August.

Due to Club World Cup involvement, Chelsea only finished their 2024-25 season on July 13. The club have since cancelled their pre-season tour but have organise friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on August 8 and 10, respectively

The two friendly matches will be played before their Premier League campaign begins against Crystal Palace just a week later.