Chelsea complete £16.3m signing of Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria | OneFootball

Chelsea have announced the signing of left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano.

The 28-year-old defender has joined them on a five-year deal until 2031.

Chelsea have paid an initial £16.3 million for the left-back, with a further £1.7m to be paid in add-ons.

Chavarria is the ninth addition to the Blues’ squad since Xabi Alonso was appointed manager this summer.

Chavarria is a solid option for Chelsea

Chavarria is an option at left-back or left wing-back Alonso’s system. The Spaniard will compete directly with Jorrel Hato for a starting berth.

New signings Marco Palestra and Valentin Barco are also capable of playing on the left-flank.

Chavarria is a speedy full-back with a great deal of tenacity. He uses his speed well to track runners and cover significant ground up and down the left flank.

He is an accomplished defender who uses his low centre of gravity to avoid being beaten by all means possible.

Chavarria is not much of an attacking threat, and he is unlikely to improve that side of his game at this stage of his career,

He will probably start the season behind Hato, who has already proved his worth at Chelsea since joining them from Ajax.

Chavarria will have to get up to speed quickly to impress Alonso, who pushed strongly for Chelsea to sign him.