DPep Guardiola confirms Man City in talks to sign Marc Cucurella

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City are in talks to sign Brighton defender Marc Cucurella.

The left full-back enjoyed an impressive first campaign in the Premier League last term, earning the Seagulls’ player of the season award.

This form has attracted the attentions of champions City, who are looking for Oleksandr Zinchenko’s replacement with the Ukrainian on the verge of signing for Arsenal.

Asked about the approach for Cucurella after his side’s pre-season victory over Club America on Wednesday, Guardiola confirmed that talks between the two clubs had begun.

“We are in negotiations. If it doesn’t happen, we’ve [got] alternatives. Cancelo, Wilson-Esbrand is a young talent, Ake can play there,” he told reporters.

90min understands that although the two clubs are in talks, they are currently some way apart in their valuation of the player and there is plenty of negotiating to do.

It is understood that Brighton are demanding a fee well in excess of the £50m they received from Arsenal for Ben White last summer, as Cucurella still has four years left on his current contract.

City have had a busy transfer window so far with plenty of movement in both directions. Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega Moreno have all linked up with the Cityzens, while there has also been several high-profile departures.

Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have joined Chelsea and Arsenal respectively and Zinchenko will be joining the Brazilian in north London imminently.