Chelsea are actively seeking a new left-back following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid, with Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson emerging as a prime target, according to Swedish publication Expressen.
Cucurella departure leaves void
Real Madrid secured Cucurella early in the summer transfer window for €60 million (£52m), leaving Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso with a gap to fill. Jorrel Hato remains the only other left-back option in the squad.
Gudmundsson, 27, joined Leeds from Lille in the summer of 2025 for just over £10m. He enjoyed an impressive first Premier League season, playing a key role in Leeds' survival after promotion from the Championship. The Sweden international made over 100 Ligue 1 appearances during four seasons at Lille.
Leeds stand to profit
Leeds would be reluctant to lose Gudmundsson but could make a substantial profit on their initial investment. The 26-cap Sweden international has three years remaining on his contract at Elland Road, meaning Chelsea would need to spend significantly to tempt Leeds into a sale.
Gudmundsson is currently representing Sweden at the World Cup, where his value could rise if Graham Potter's side progresses. Sweden opened with a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia but suffered a 5-1 defeat to Netherlands in their second match. They face Japan on Friday, needing at least a point to reach the knockout stages.
Chelsea's summer rebuild
Gudmundsson is not the only player on Chelsea's radar as another rebuild begins under a new manager. The Blues have already agreed a deal with Atalanta for Italy international Marco Palestra, a right-sided full-back or wing-back. The transfer fee is €57 million (£49.1m) with an additional €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons, and Atalanta retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
It appears set to be another summer of heavy spending in west London as Alonso shapes his squad.
