Chelsea sign highly sought-after defender Cucurella from Brighton

Financial details were not disclosed but Brighton said the club would receive a record fee for the transfer. British media reported the two clubs agreed a deal worth up to 63 million pounds ($76.46 million) for the 24-year-old. If that figure is true, it would make him the third most expensive Spanish footballer of all time behind fellow Chelsea player Kepa (27), who arrived from Athletic Bilbao for 71.6 million pounds, and Manchester City midfielder Rodri (26), brought in from Atletico Madrid for 62.6 million pounds.

"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," Cucurella told Chelsea's website.

Cucurella, who has one cap for Spain, joined Brighton in 2021 from LaLiga side Getafe. He made 35 league appearances for the Graham Potter's side as they finished ninth in the league last season.

"We did not want to lose Marc, but he wanted the opportunity of playing Champions League football with a view to accelerating his progress to Spain's World Cup squad," Potter told Brighton's website.

"Of course we are disappointed to see Marc leave, but we wish him well for the future... (He) has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past 12 months."

Cucurella becomes Chelsea's third signing after they brought in defender Kalidou Koulibaly (31) from Napoli and England forward Raheem Sterling (27) from Manchester City.

Chelsea, who finished third in the league last season, begin their new campaign with a trip to Everton on Saturday.