Report: Man City transfer target Marc Cucurella upset with Brighton due to hefty asking price

Manchester City transfer target Marc Cucurella is reportedly disappointed with Brighton due to their hefty asking price.

The 23-year-old is believed to be Pep Guardiola’s primary target for the remainder of the summer window, as he looks to replace Arsenal-bound Oleksandr Zinchenko.

City have stepped up their efforts to recruit Cucurella, although as things stand there is still some distance between themselves and Brighton over a transfer fee for the Spaniard.

Brighton are reportedly demanding £50m for Cucurella, with Manchester City only willing to pay £30m, a similar fee they are to receive from Arsenal for Zinchenko.

Pep Guardiola side willing to increase their initial offer for Cucurella, but are prepared to walk away from the deal if Brighton refuse to lower their £50m valuation.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the lack of movement between the two sides has led to Cucurella becoming frustrated with Brighton.

Romano has stated that the Spanish defender is ‘now disappointed because of the high price tag’ his current employers have put on him.

Marc Cucurella only wants Man City. He told Brighton staff weeks ago his intention to leave the club if Man City came with good offer, and he’s now disappointed because of the high price tag. 🚨🔵 #MCFC

Talks between clubs continue, all parties are in direct contact. pic.twitter.com/IMYVa66xsC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2022

Regardless of City’s financial strength in the transfer window, they will not throw money at a player simply to get a deal done, meaning that these negotiations could rumble on for weeks.

Brighton on the other hand have no need to sell the 23-year-old to City and are therefore in a strong negotiating position as the Spanish International still has another four years left on his deal.

With the gulf in valuations between the two clubs being so large, it remains to be seen whether the Cityzens will significantly increase their offer for the defender or move on to more cost-effective alternatives.