Man City respond to Brighton's £50m demand for Marc Cucurella

The Citizens have intensified their efforts to bring the left-back to the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks.

Manchester City have reportedly informed Brighton that they won’t meet their £50m demand for Marc Cucurella.

The Seagulls defender has emerged as City’s top transfer target since Oleksandr Zinchenko’s move to Arsenal. However, it seems Pep Guardiola will have to use his existing options to cover for the Ukrainian star’s departure.

According to ESPN, City are yet to completely halt their efforts to sign Cucurella ahead of the next season. However, they have informed the Seagulls that they won’t meet their valuation of the left-back.

SurfsharkVPN — All you need in a VPN — and more

Since his move to from Getafe in 2021, Cucurella has developed into one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. The 24-year-old’s current contract at Brighton runs until 2026, with the Seagulls being under no pressure to sell him this summer.

Brighton have refused to accept anything under £50m for the Spaniard. On the other hand, City are reportedly keen to close the deal by guaranteeing a fee of £35m.

Joao Cancelo played as City’s left-back when they lost 3-1 against Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday. Another option for Guardiola is to use Nathan Ake, who has played as a left-back before.

Asked about the possibility of adding a new defender to City’s ranks, the Spanish manager said on Friday: “If it is possible, yes. If not, we stay with what we have.

“We have enough players who can play there. Joao can play there, Josh [Wilson-Esbrand], Nathan [Ake] can play there.”