Aston Villa consider cut-price deal for Chelsea's £175,000-per-week left-back

Aston Villa have set their sights on Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella as they prepare to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the 2024/25 campaign as per TEAMtalk.

The Spanish defender, who made the switch to Stamford Bridge from Brighton for a hefty £62 million in August 2022, has struggled to justify his price tag and cement a regular starting spot in the Chelsea lineup.

Since his arrival at Chelsea, Cucurella has found himself on the fringes of the first team, making a mere 14 Premier League appearances this season. This lack of game time has raised questions about his future at the club, with speculation mounting that he could be on the move once again in the upcoming transfer window.

Interestingly, prior to his move to Chelsea, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had expressed a keen interest in signing the left-back. The Cityzens even went as far as making a loan offer with an option to buy in January 2023, but their advances were rebuffed by Chelsea.

Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Aston Villa find themselves in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. As they look to strengthen their backline, Cucurella has emerged as a potential target to help them achieve their ambitious goals.

However, the Spaniard's hefty £175,000-per-week wages at Chelsea could prove to be a stumbling block in any potential negotiations between the two clubs.

Reports suggest that Chelsea may have to accept a significant loss on their £62 million investment, with the Blues potentially willing to part ways with Cucurella for as little as £30 million this summer.

Despite his struggles at club level, Cucurella boasts an impressive international résumé. He has represented Spain at every youth level from under-16 to under-23 and made his senior debut for the national team in 2021. Additionally, he was part of the Spain under-23 squad that clinched the silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.

Cucurella's international experience and potential could make him a valuable addition to Aston Villa's squad as they look to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

The allure of playing Champions League football next season could be a significant factor in swaying the Spanish left-back's decision, while Chelsea may be forced to cut their losses on a player who has failed to live up to expectations since his high-profile arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Only time will tell if Aston Villa can strike a deal to bring Cucurella to Villa Park, but one thing is for certain: this transfer saga is far from over.