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Recent speculation linking Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella to Al Nassr, in a deal reportedly backed by Cristiano Ronaldo, has been dismissed. Social media posts and reports suggested that Al Nassr was preparing a £60.7m bid to lure Cucurella to Saudi Arabia, with Ronaldo personally endorsing the move to replace Alex Telles. However, it was later reported that no such talks have taken place, and Chelsea have labeled Cucurella as “untouchable,” with sources confirming the club has rejected approaches from two foreign clubs. On the other hand, post their 3-0 Club World Cup triumph against PSG Chelsea might retain their key players.
Reflecting the idea of retention, Chelsea Football Club reportedly are poised to offer a new contract to Marc Cucurella. The move might intend to solidify his role as a cornerstone of Enzo Maresca’s long-term vision for the club. In a report it is claimed, the Blues view the 27-year-old Spaniard as an integral part of their project, with no intention of entertaining speculative links to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Reportedly, Chelsea is also set on closing in on a deal for Ajax’s versatile defender Jorrel Hato, who is expected to serve as a backup left-back and a key addition at centre-back, further strengthening their defensive depth as they prepare for the 2025-26 Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Marc Cucurella played more minutes than any other Chelsea outfield player
Marc Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023 for £62 million, and has transformed his fortunes at Stamford Bridge after a challenging debut season. According to a statistic last season, Cucurella played more minutes than any other Chelsea outfield player, featuring in 54 matches, including the club’s victorious Conference League and Club World Cup campaigns. He contributed seven goals and four assists, with five league goals between December and May, earning praise from Maresca, who reportedly called him “clever and intelligent” for his ability to exploit space and arrive in the box at crucial moments.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is said to be advancing in their pursuit of Ajax’s 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato for a reported £34.8m. Hato has made 111 appearances for Ajax and earned six caps for the Netherlands, his omission from Ajax’s pre-season friendly squad against Celtic on July 25 fueled speculation of an imminent move, with his agent, Humphry Nijman, confirming to in a report that “Jorrel is now in talks with Chelsea.” The potential arrival of Hato, coupled with Cucurella’s contract extension, underscores Chelsea’s strategic approach to their defensive rebuild.
