Chelsea have set their sights on Leeds United left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson as a potential summer replacement for Marc Cucurella, according to Swedish outlet Expressen.
Leeds Defender Gabriel Gudmundsson on Chelsea Radar for Summer Move
The Sweden international featured in 32 Premier League matches last season and played a key role in helping Leeds preserve their top-flight status.
Gudmundsson is currently part of Graham Potter’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having started Sweden’s last two games.
He is expected to feature again in Friday’s crucial clash against Japan, which will determine his nation’s fate in the tournament.
The interest in Gudmundsson comes as Chelsea prepare for a major summer overhaul following a disappointing campaign that saw them finish 10th in the Premier League and miss out on European qualification entirely.
New manager Xabi Alonso is leading the club’s revival and intends to make significant changes across the squad, particularly in defence.
The first major departure of the Alonso era has already been confirmed, with Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella agreeing to return to his homeland in a big-money move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea have recently been linked with Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso as Alonso searches for a replacement, but Gudmundsson has now emerged as another serious option.
Expressen reports that the former Lille star is attracting “great interest” from several Premier League clubs, with Chelsea among the keenest suitors.
While Leeds would prefer to keep Gudmundsson beyond the summer, the report suggests the full-back could leave Elland Road if the right offer arrives.
The 26-year-old is valued at approximately £17 million by Transfermarkt, though any deal would likely exceed that figure given the level of interest in his services.
Chelsea’s recent “verbal agreement” to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta indicates Alonso is planning to implement a back-three system with wing-backs next season.
Reece James, Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato are already viewed as suitable options for those roles, with Palestra expected to join that group.
However, Gudmundsson would still represent a dependable alternative, provided he is willing to accept a squad role and compete for minutes at Stamford Bridge.
