Marca reports that Atletico Madrid sports chief Mateu Alemany is urging the club to act before the World Cup concludes, on the grounds that a strong tournament from the 27-year-old Spain international defender could significantly increase the fee required to sign him. Barcelona are also understood to be monitoring Cucurella's situation, creating a competitive dynamic that gives Atletico further reason to move early.
Chelsea's position is the immediate obstacle. With Xabi Alonso officially taking charge on July 1, the club are reluctant to sell a first-team regular before the new manager has assessed the squad.
Cucurella was one of Chelsea's most consistent performers this season under both Enzo Maresca and interim head coach Liam Rosenior, and the club regard him as an important asset going into the Alonso era.
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2022 in a deal worth a reported £62m and has developed significantly under the various managers who have worked with him at Stamford Bridge. He is under contract until 2028, giving Chelsea full leverage over any negotiation.
The player himself is understood to have privately indicated an openness to returning to Spain, where he played for Barcelona's youth teams before moving to Getafe and then Brighton. That personal preference aligns with the interest from both Atletico and Barcelona, though Chelsea are not yet at a stage where they are entertaining formal offers.
Atletico's left-back situation has become a priority since Alejandro Marcos failed to establish himself as a genuine first-team option last season. Cucurella's ability to defend aggressively while contributing to attacks down the left fits the profile Diego Simeone's system demands.