Chelsea: Pochettino shortlists two star defenders to replace Marc Cucurella
By Kian Long
![Marc Cucurella of Chelsea (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Marc Cucurella of Chelsea (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6a3204b1bc1ad3a9dca6fc52cc7e743e63c605e9e3b955825f4c241efd164f4c.jpg)
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is in the market for a new left-back, with Marc Cucurella leaving. He’s shortlisted two IMMENSE defenders.
Earlier this week, we reported that Marc Cucurella had informed Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino if his desire to leave the club in January. Well, it turns out that Mauricio Pochettino has wasted no time in granting this transfer request as he’s shortlisted two worthy replacements already.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino locates TWO Marc Cucurella replacements
According to a claim by Calciomercato, Chelsea are in the market for a new left-back and they have targeted Serie A duo Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) and Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan).
Certainly, Mauricio Pochettino knows what he’s doing with this duo. Hernandez has been a target of the Premier League for some time now due to his colossal defensive approach combined with his rapid speed. He would make a great addition to this side. Furthermore, his Milan counterpart would also do an astounding job and provide the same features which Chelsea would lack after Cucurella’s sale.
Marc Cucurella appreciation post.
— ChelseaHQ (@ChelseaHQ_) September 28, 2023
He was phenomenal last night of of position against a very good Mitoma. Build on this now Cucu 🤝🏼💙 pic.twitter.com/IWGNG5q2yH
From Cucurella’s perspective, you can understand why he would want to leave. Part of the reason why Pochettino has granted his transfer request is because the Spain defender is surplus to requirements. When everybody is fit, Cucurella doesn’t get into the team ahead of Ben Chilwell.
Upgrading the second option at left-back would be a good thing for Chilwell too. Although he’s started the season well overall, he needs a kick up the backside if recent performances are anything to go by. Hernandez or Dimarco could certainly provide that.
Who do you think Chelsea will sign at left-back to replace Marc Cucurella?