Man City step up chase for Brighton star Marc Cucurella as Oleksandr Zinchenko nears exit

dailystar.co.uk:

Manchester City are set to ramp up their interest in Marc Cucurella as Oleksandr Zinchenko closes in on a £30million switch to Arsenal.City are long-term admirers of Cucurella, who has made a big impression since joining Brighton last summer.

The Spaniard - who was a standout performer for Graham Potter's side last term as they bagged their highest-ever finish in the Premier League era - has been linked with a megabucks move in recent weeks.And Pep Guardiola is now set to firm up his interest in the flying full-back in the coming days as the champions prepare to cash in on Zinchenko, who is set to reunite with Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.READ MORE: Man City youngster says he'll spend bumper contract payday on "more ice cream"Guardiola will prioritise signing a new left-back once Zinchenko's exit is confirmed, reports The Sun.

Cucurella is Guardiola's top target to replace the versatile Ukrainian ace - but City are unwilling to meet Brighton's demands.The Seagulls snapped up Cucurella for just £15.4m from Getafe 12 months ago, but value the left-back at around £50m after his stunning maiden season on the south coast.

Cucurella clocked up 39 appearances for Brighton and was even crowned their Player of the Year.Guardiola has been aware of Cucurella for some time as the Brighton ace joined Barcelona's esteemed La Masia academy as a 14-year-old back when the City chief was in charge at the Nou Camp.Do you think Cucurella would be a good signing for Man City?