Chelsea Lock Down Major Deal as Enzo Maresca Unveils Bold Transfer Strategy
Marc Cucurella has reportedly reached an agreement and put pen to paper on a fresh deal with Chelsea, following speculation about potential interest from Al Nassr during the summer transfer window.
Cucurella accumulated more playing time in Chelsea colors than any other player during the previous campaign, and Saudi Pro League connections were countered by reports that the Blues were determined to tie down his services for the long haul in west London.
This development now seems to have materialized. While there's no formal confirmation from the club yet, Fabrizio Romano indicates that Chelsea have "finalized the arrangement" with Cucurella regarding a fresh contract and that he has put his signature on the documents.
The 27-year-old defender, whose current deal runs until 2028, is viewed as a crucial asset for both immediate and future plans, as well as serving as a leadership figure within the squad.
Cucurella isn't the only one receiving contract improvements. Chelsea's sporting management team—sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, along with recruitment specialists Joe Shields and Sam Jewell—have reportedly secured extensions through 2031 according to the Telegraph.
These contract renewals are interpreted as a "demonstration of confidence" and "acknowledgment" of their contributions thus far. Chelsea's transfer activity during the initial BlueCo era faced significant criticism, but the benefits of their approach are becoming more apparent following their focus on acquiring promising young players.
The Blues have invested heavily but have also generated impressive sales revenue. During this summer window alone, Chelsea have moved on five surplus players for at least £20 million ($27 million) each, while negotiating a deal with Arsenal for Noni Madueke valued at up to £52 million ($70.5 million).
This strategy has enabled costly signings like João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, Estêvão and others, while maintaining Chelsea's net expenditure at relatively modest levels.
Maresca: Chelsea 'Need a Central Defender'
Chelsea's transfer activity might extend beyond the deadline due to Levi Colwill's recent serious knee injury. The 22-year-old suffered the setback during the team's initial training session upon returning to Cobham, and is expected to miss most of the 2025–26 season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Addressing media ahead of the season kickoff, head coach Enzo Maresca commented: "You understand Levi's significance for us during the previous season, considering our playing philosophy. We've repeatedly emphasized that our ability to create opportunities and attack effectively depends on proper build-up play. Levi was instrumental in our possession-based approach and now he's unavailable.
"We're exploring internal solutions, but the club understands my perspective completely and we'll monitor developments.
"I believe we require a center-back."
The Italian manager elaborated: "Our build-up involves Levi in the central position. During the previous campaign, we contested 64 matches with Levi and Tosin as our foundation. With Levi sidelined, Tosin remains the sole player capable of fulfilling that role effectively.
"Additionally, we have squad members who currently face fitness concerns, including Wes and Benoit, which explains my emphasis on the club's awareness of my thoughts regarding central defensive reinforcements."
Maresca's current defensive resources include Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato, who possesses the versatility to operate centrally or at left-back.