Cucurella responds to Man City links as he admits he joined Brighton ‘so big clubs notice’ him

Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella has admitted there are certain clubs “you can’t say no to” amid rumours linking him with Man City.

The Spaniard was excellent for the Seagulls in 2021/22 as he was named Players’ Player of the Season.

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He joined from Getafe for around £16m last summer and made 39 appearances across all competitions this term.

After shining in the Premier League in his maiden season in England, Cururella has been linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium.

With Marcos Alonso likely to leave Chelsea this summer, the 23-year-old has emerged as a potential target for the Blues.

However, he has also been linked with Man City, Tottenham and Juventus. City are in need of a new left-back due to Benjamin Mendy’s unavailability.

Cucurella was asked about rumours linking him with the Premier League champions, and he admitted that he has not spoken to Pep Guardiola about a potential transfer.

The former Barcelona man also hinted that he is using Brighton as a stepping stone, insisting there are certain teams you cannot turn down.

| Cucurella on @ManCity interest: "If the opportunity arises, you have to take advantage of it. There are teams that you can't say no to"

[@JijantesFC via @gerardromero]

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“The goal [at Brighton] was to develop so the big clubs can take notice,” he said (quotes via Manchester Evening News).

“But if the opportunity arises, you have to take advantage of it. There are teams that you can’t say no to. No, sincerely no [Pep Guardiola has not called]. Of course, there are rumours.

“If people are talking like this about you, it’s a good thing.