Atletico Madrid Target Marc Cucurella in Summer 2026 Transfer Window as Xabi Alonso’s System Threatens Chelsea Role

Atletico Madrid are reportedly making Marc Cucurella their top defensive priority for the summer 2026 transfer window, according to reports, as club executive Mateu Alemany looks to reshape Diego Simeone’s backline ahead of the new season.

The Spanish international, who turns 28 later this year, is contracted to Chelsea until 2028, giving the Blues significant leverage in any potential negotiations. Despite that security, Atletico Madrid are said to be preparing to test Chelsea’s resolve with a formal approach for the reigning 2024 European Championship winner.

Cucurella himself has done little to discourage speculation surrounding a possible departure from West London. When asked directly about reported links to his former club FC Barcelona, the defender acknowledged an openness to returning to Spain, stating that he would love to return to LaLiga in the future — comments that, according to reports, have encouraged Atletico Madrid’s interest.

The LaLiga club’s pursuit may also be assisted by developments at Chelsea following the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach. While the Spanish tactician has only recently agreed to a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, he is widely anticipated to implement the back-three defensive structure that defined his highly successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where the system helped deliver an unbeaten domestic double.

That tactical shift carries direct implications for Cucurella’s role at the club. The left-back has been a consistent performer within a back-four setup under previous Chelsea management, but the transition to a back three would require him to operate as a wing-back — a position that demands considerably greater attacking output and width. According to reports, concerns over his offensive capabilities in that system could reduce his playing time and prominence under Alonso’s new structure.

Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 in a deal reported to be worth around £62 million, making him one of the club’s more significant defensive investments in recent years. He has since established himself as a reliable presence on the left side of Chelsea’s defence and played a prominent role for Spain at Euro 2024, where La Roja claimed the title.

An Atletico Madrid move would represent a return to Spanish football for the Barcelona-born defender, who came through the youth ranks at FC Barcelona before moving to Getafe and later Eibar on loan. His familiarity with LaLiga and expressed desire to eventually return to the Spanish top flight position Atletico as a credible destination.

Simeone’s side have historically been active in the summer market for experienced defensive additions, and Cucurella’s profile — proven at the highest level of club and international football, still within his prime years, and holding European Championship winner’s credentials — aligns with the type of acquisition Alemany has been tasked with securing.

No formal bid has been confirmed at this stage, and Chelsea have not publicly commented on any interest from Atletico Madrid. The situation is expected to develop further as the summer transfer window approaches.