Chelsea have trolled Brighton with a bizarre confirmation of their £63m transfer move for Marc Cucurella, appearing to mock the Seagulls’ statement on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old, who can operate as a left-back or centre-back, had been linked to Manchester City after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s move to Arsenal, but they pulled out as they were not willing to meet his asking price.
It was reported on Wednesday that Chelsea had agreed a fee around £52m for Cucurella but Brighton denied those rumours before the Blues confirmed the news on Friday with their own statement.
‘Following reports from numerous media outlets this week, we can confirm an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion for the signing of Marc Cucurella,’ Chelsea posted on Twitter.
It appears to be a dig at Brighton, who said on Wednesday: ‘Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella.’
Both tweets from the two teams had the same wording in capital letters at the top, reading: ‘CLUB STATEMENT: MARC CUCURELLA.’
Brighton released a new statement on Friday, posting: ‘Marc Cucurella has completed a move to Chelsea, in a deal which will see the club receive its record transfer fee.’
On signing for Chelsea, Cucurella said: ‘I’m really happy. It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world and I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.’
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly added: ‘Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality and he further strengthens our squad going into the new season.
‘We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.’
Meanwhile, Chelsea central defender Levi Colwill has joined Brighton on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old spent last campaign on loan at Huddersfield Town in the Championship and had been linked with several Premier League clubs this summer.
‘Levi has enormous potential and has already shown his ability last season,’ Brighton boss Graham Potter said. ‘I am really looking forward to working with him.’
