- Pep Chavarría is closing in on a Chelsea move as talks with Rayo Vallecano enter the final stages.
Chelsea nearing agreement for Pep Chavarría
Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Rayo Vallecano for left-back Pep Chavarría after submitting an improved offer, according to David Ornstein. Chelsea have been monitoring the Spanish player since last month but failed to reach an agreement due to disagreements in the player's valuation.
After Rayo Vallecano rejected Chelsea's opening €9 million offer, the Blues returned with an improved proposal worth €16 million plus add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. Pep Chavaria is the wanted profile for Xabi Alonso following the departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for €60 million.
The 28-year-old Spaniard rose through the ranks of Spanish club Figueres and joined the Madrid-based club in 2022 on a 5-year deal after his spells with Olot and Real Zaragoza.
Why Xabi Alonso wants the Spanish full-back
Chavarría combines defensive reliability with progressive ball carrying, making him a strong fit for Xabi Alonso's possession-based system. He is a physically strong player who could win duels on both the ground and aerially. Chavaria had 125 appearances for Rayo Vallecano, scoring two and assisting eight.
The arrival of Pep Chavaria is also a part of the revised transfer strategy of Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, which is bringing experienced players to the team instead of depending on prodigies and a group of youngsters.
Experienced competition for Jorel Hato
The left back was also a vital part of Rayo Vallecano's side that reached the final of the UEFA Conference League last season, where they lost to Crystal Palace.
Upon completing the deal, Chelsea would add an experienced defender capable of contributing immediately while supporting the club's longer-term development plans.