Chelsea confirm Cucurella transfer with Everton eligibility detailed, as Brighton seal Colwill coup

Chelsea have announced their capture of Marc Cucurella and his potential eligibility for the opening clash with Everton has been detailed.

The former Brighton ace had emerged as a key transfer target for both Man City and Chelsea. City’s third and final bid topped out at £40m – some way below Brighton’s initial £50m valuation.

The Seagulls then raised the asking price once Cucurella handed in a transfer request, though that wasn’t enough to deter the Blues.

Indeed, Chelsea agreed a deal worth £55m plus a potential further £7m in add-ons. A six-year contract running until 2028 was agreed and Chelsea have confirmed the move via their official website.

Responding to the move, Cucurella said: “I’m really happy. It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.”

Chelsea open their account this season with a trip to Merseyside to face Frank Lampard’s Everton.

Regarding whether Cucurella will be registered in time and therefore eligible to feature, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Feeling around Chelsea is that Marc Cucurella will be able to be called up for Everton game.”

Romano added Chelsea face a race against time, though are ‘fully optimistic’ all will be resolved in good time.

Boehly, Chelsea owners react to Cucurella signing

Chelsea’s statement also included comments from Blues chief Todd Boehly.

“Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season,” said the part-owner.

“We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.”

Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano , co-controlling owners, added: “We’re very excited to bring Marc to Chelsea and he is another key part of our squad building as we enter the new season.

“We’re all looking forward to getting started on the pitch now, and Marc only adds to that feeling. We welcome him to the club!”

Brighton confirm Levi Colwill coup

Moving the other way is promising 19-year-old centre-half, Levi Colwill.

Colwill joins Brighton on a season-long loan, though Chelsea have retained control of the player by ensuring no option or obligation to buy is included.

Brighton confirmed the move on their official website, with manager Graham Potter saying: “Levi has enormous potential and has already shown his ability last season in the Championship [on loan at Huddersfield Town] and with England at various age group levels up to under-21s.

“I am really looking forward to working with him on the training pitch, and in matches over the course of the season.

“He plays mostly at centre-back, but has also played on the left as a full-back, and he is a player who is comfortable on the ball.”