Fabrizio Romano: Man City now ready to submit ‘opening proposal’ for ‘elite’ playmaker

Manchester City are now set to submit an opening bid to Brighton for Marc Cucurella, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Having joined the south coast club last year from La Liga outfit Getafe for £15.4m, the Catalan defender went on to make a fantastic impression in the Premier League, winning his club’s Player of the Year award and catching the attention of City manager Pep Guardiola (The Guardian).

With Oleksandr Zinchenko on the brink of leaving the Etihad Stadium, Benjamin Mendy indefinitely suspended and Joao Cancelo naturally a right-footer, the 51-year-old is seeking a new left-back to join his ranks.

According to Romano, City are now set to make their opening bid for Cucurella, with Guardiola a big fan of the 23-year-old.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Excl: Manchester City are now set to submit opening proposal to Brighton for Marc Cucurella. First bid ready to proceed in advanced talks in the next days.

“Cucurella is still Man City top target as left back, Pep Guardiola really wants him. Work in progress.”

With four years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium and a current Transfermarkt valuation of £25.2m, it would likely take a huge offer for Brighton to sell the Spaniard, as they would like to retain him ahead of next season.

However, described by GiveMeSport journalist George Cannon as “an elite-level full-back who is perfect for the Premier League”, it is easy to see why Guardiola is keen on luring him to Manchester.

Having averaged 2.7 tackles (more than anyone in Guardiola’s squad) and 1.2 key passes per game last season (via WhoScored), Cucurella has the attacking and defensive attributes that City are looking for in a full-back. In fact, he ranks very highly amongst