Marc Cucurella addition could give Chelsea the lead Cucurella's potential involvement would represent a significant talking point. The Spanish full-back initially struggled to meet expectations at Chelsea. However, over the past 18 months, the 27-year-old has staged an impressive resurgence. He has become a reliable figure on the left flank, combining defensive solidity with attacking support, and is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's most consistent full-backs. Atletico Madrid's long-standing admiration for Cucurella could play a role in the possible swap deal.
A transfer for the 33-year-old could satisfy all parties: Salah would be the one to decide on the move following his complaints about his treatment by Liverpool in December; the Reds would receive a transfer fee as the Egypt star has a contract until 2027; and Al Ittihad need to strengthen having already lost Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté in the January window, while Fabinho's contract ends in the summer and Moussa Diaby has been linked with Inter Milan.
When we talk about what Chelsea need, we often talk about an off the peg type of player. Julian Alvarez fits that type of player that we need, Cundy said. That is the type of player I'd like us to sign more of. He's Premier League ready. You're not going to be waiting for someone to adapt to the Premier League. There's a lot to like about him, but it is a lot of money.
He's an interesting player, but when I spoke with some guys from Bayern, they said they didn't need these rumours at the moment they wanted a quiet transfer window. Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) So they won't go for him at the moment. They'd love to have a player like him in the team, but with a contract until 2030, it's a no-go.
According to RAC1, the club's internal planning is increasingly being carried out without Robert Lewandowski as a central figure, signalling a potential turning point in Barcelona's attack. The Blaugrana hierarchy is working under the assumption that they will be able to operate within La Liga's 1:1 financial rule this summer. If that objective is achieved, the priority would be signing a new striker and reinforcing the defence with at least one centre-back.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) wants to focus on signing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior this summer, according to The Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, TalkSPORT claims they have plans to bring in 50 "peak-age foreign players" and a host of older players as well. The report names Salah and Vinicius Jr. as well as Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, and Manchester United midfielders Bruno Fernandes and .
"He's going through his best moment since he's been at Atleti, in terms of consistency, because he gives us a lot of things with his diagonal runs, holding the ball up, scoring important goals, having chances in almost every game. "We need that player. The cross was not one of the best, but Alex improved it, and it was a good header to make it a great goal."
Although the season is only at its halfway point, the sporting department of FC Barcelona is already working on shaping the squad for next season. No final decisions have been taken yet, but a clear roadmap has been drawn up regarding the attacking unit. As has already been reported, Barça intend to retain Marcus Rashford's services beyond this season. The Catalans have a €30 million purchase option for the Manchester United loanee, although they might look to negotiate a lower fee.
The Argentina international has shone during his time in La Liga after also impressing in a stint in the Premier League with Manchester City, even though he wasn't first choice there. Alvarez has gone on to score 40 goals in 83 games since moving to Atletico, and there has been talk of interest from Liverpool, as per Football Insider, and also from Chelsea, as per Fichajes.
The Blaugrana are already planning for the post-Robert Lewandowski era, with the Polish striker's contract set to expire in 2026 and no talks of renewal currently taking place. The club's sporting department, led by Deco, wants to bring in a player who can be part of the long-term project under Hansi Flick rather than a short-term fix, and Alvarez fits that profile perfectly.
