Atletico Madrid step up pursuit of Barcelona target with talks imminent

Atletico Madrid step up pursuit of Barcelona target with talks imminent Barcelona have spent the last few seasons with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as their first-choice full-backs, but both players had a poor 2025/26 season. Joao Cancelo came in on loan in January and took the starting berth from Balde, whereas Eric Garcia often looked much more comfortable than the Frenchman on the right flank. Thus, this looks like one area to which Barcelona remain attentive in the transfer market, and one name on the club’s shortlist is Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella. Barcelona’s hopes of bringing the former La Masia graduate back to Camp Nou are set to become more complicated, with Atletico intensifying their efforts. According to journalist Ben Jacobs , Atletico Madrid are set to open formal talks with Chelsea over a potential deal for the Spanish left-back. Atletico Madrid are ready to open talks with Cucurella. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Considered one of Diego Simeone’s priority transfer targets ahead of the 2026/27 season, the Madrid club hope to negotiate a fee below €50 million. Chelsea, meanwhile, are not actively pushing the player out but are open to listening to offers despite Cucurella having three years remaining on his contract. Barcelona’s interest remains conditional For Barcelona, Cucurella continues to be an attractive option, and Hansi Flick is said to value the profile that he brings to the table. The 27-year-old knows the club, understands the positional demands of Barca’s system and has matured into one of the Premier League’s most complete full-backs. However, Barcelona’s interest is conditional on the future of Alejandro Balde. The Spaniard remains part of Flick’s plans but should he decide to leave, that would open the door for Cucurella’s return. When Barca themselves are this uncertain, it is highly unlikely that the player will be willing to wait, especially when a club like Atletico are also interested in his services. Cucurella is also on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) Atletico ready to take advantage Cucurella was asked about his future and to choose between Atletico and Barca, but he cleverly side-stepped that question and revealed that his complete focus was on the World Cup. Atletico, meanwhile, seem to have used this window to start club-to-club negotiations with Chelsea. Unlike Barcelona, the Madrid side are actively searching for a left-back and can move decisively. If negotiations progress quickly, Atletico may be able to establish themselves as the leading candidates before Barcelona are in a position to act. Cucurella has remained open to a return to Camp Nou and has been willing to be patient. However, the transfer market works on a clock. Unfortunately for Barca, the ball is not in their court, and if Atletico leapfrog them and secure Cucurella’s signing, there is nothing they can do but watch one of their academy graduates play against them for one of their rivals next season.