Transfer Talk: Real Madrid could offer Cucurella a January lifeline

Real Madrid have been linked with a January loan move for Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella. 

The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino at the Blues offered the opportunity of a fresh start for Cucurella after a poor debut season but the left-back has so far failed to make a single Premier League appearance. 

Cucurella's only action has come in the Carabao Cup, where he was played out of position at right-back in the midweek victory over his former club Brighton. 

ESPN claim Chelsea are now willing to listen to offers for the Spaniard, who they signed in a £62million deal back in August 2022. 

Real are said to be readying a loan bid for the next transfer window, in an effort to bring in some experienced competition for their left-sided full-back Ferland Mendy. 

The chance to return to Spain with such a big club would no doubt appeal to the 25-year-old, having seen his career stall at Stamford Bridge. 

He came close to a loan move to Manchester United in the summer, only for the Premier League giants to instead sign his compatriot Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham. 

With his one and only appearance for Spain coming back in 2021, Cucurella could have a chance of making Luis de la Fuente's Euro 2024 squad with a move back to LaLiga. 

In other news

The Mirror report Arsenal are leading the chase to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January, with London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham also interested. 

Donyell Malen has caught the eye of Liverpool with his early season form at Borussia Dortmund, according to BILD.

Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona are ahead of Manchester United in the race for the Antwerp teenager Arthur Vermeeren, who has been likened to Blaugrana legend Andres Iniesta.