'No.' The blunt answer new Chelsea target Marc Cucurella provided when asked by Spanish media about a call with Man City manager Pep Guardiola.
A simple one word answer like that is enough evidence for new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly to make his own move in trying to convince the Seagulls star that the short relocation from Sussex to West London would be his best next move in his career. Chelsea are currently in talks with Denzel Dumfries and Wesley Fofana in a transfer swoop which could cost them around £120million but the left-side is also an area of concern for the Blues.
This is because as Barca president Joan Laporta hinted in a recent interview, both Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are still targets that will now be pursued by the Blaugrana, especially now that newest recruit Jules Kounde has his presentation at the Camp Nou on Monday. As a result the Blues, like they have done with Malang Sarr amid Fulham rumours, will block Alonso's passage to Spain until a suitable replacement has been found.
READ MORE: Marc Cucurella's stance on Chelsea transfer revealed as Todd Boehly summons Barcelona spirit
The likes of Benjamin Pavard and Joakim Maehle have been a couple of options mentioned but the more exciting Premier League proven option in Cucurella has now come into the fray.
This is because The Daily Mail have reported that Boehly is contemplating whether to exploit Man City's misfortunes in this scenario with his own swap deal type move.
City boss Guardiola had hinted that his side would walk away from a deal if the conditions are not right and with reports from the likes of the BBC Sport suggesting that talks have stopped between the two clubs, this is the ideal scenario for Chelsea to make their move.
Initially, City was seen as the ideal destination for Cucurella but would he rule out a move to Stamford Bridge? Probably not if his previous verdict gets taken into account.
"The goal [at Brighton] was to develop so the big clubs can take notice. But if the opportunity arises, you have to take advantage of it. There are teams that you can’t say no to," he said to Spanish show Jijantes FC via the Metro.
"No, sincerely no [Pep Guardiola has not called]. Of course, there are rumours. If people are talking like this about you, it’s a good thing. We’re calm; the most important thing right now is to rest."
Chelsea fans - are the Blues now a club that you cannot say no to? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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