From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City made shock January offer to Chelsea for £60 million star

Manchester City made an audacious attempt to sign Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella in January.

The 25-year-old, former Brighton player, moved to Stamford Bridge for a reported £60 million last year, despite long-standing interest from Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

Manchester City had two offers rejected by Brighton for the left-back before Chelsea reached an agreement with the Seagulls to sign the Spaniard in August 2022, after Cucurella was identified as a replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko at the Etihad Stadium.

Cucurella featured in 33 matches for Chelsea last season, but was heavily linked with a potential move to Manchester United on Deadline Day, having failed to feature in any Premier League games under Mauricio Pochettino.

The left-back signed a six-year contract in West London – one of a host of Chelsea signings to agree long-term deals under the ownership of Todd Boehly.

Chelsea endured a dismal campaign last season, sacking both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, as well as slumping to a 12th placed finish, registering to just 44 points.

Meanwhile, Manchester City completed a triumphant treble; winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Pep Guardiola allowed Joao Cancelo to dramatically leave the club in January after a rumoured training ground bust-up, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City attempted to sensationally replace the Portugal full-back with a secret offer.

The reliable journalist claims that Manchester City presented a loan with a buy option proposal for Cucurella in January 2023, but saw the audacious offer rejected by Chelsea.

Manchester City and Chelsea agreed a surprise deal for Cole Palmer towards the end of the summer transfer window last week, as the England U21 international moved to West London for £42.5 million.

Palmer joins former Sky Blues forward Raheem Sterling at Stamford Bridge, after the 28-year-old left the Etihad Stadium for £47.5 million in July 2022.

Despite rejecting an offer for Cucurella, Manchester City did successfully sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £25 million.

The Croatian has impressed at the Etihad Stadium, starting five matches for Manchester City, including the UEFA Super Cup Final win over Sevilla in Athens.