Chelsea open talks for Pep Chavarria as Xabi Alonso targets second summer signing

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Evening Standard

·30 June 2026

Chelsea open talks for Pep Chavarria as Xabi Alonso targets second summer signing

Blues are eyeing versatile defende r that could be key for new manager’s system

Chelsea are in club-to-club talks with Rayo Vallecano as they work on signing Pep Chavarria.

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Standard Sport understands that the two teams are discussing details as the Blues look to complete a deal for the left-back.

The 28-year-old would not be a direct replacement for the departed Marc Cucurella, who was sold to Real Madrid a fortnight ago for £51.8million.

Chelsea’s plan is to promote Jorrel Hato to a greater level of responsibility, while Chavarria would help provide cover at both left-back and left wing-back.

Right-back Marco Palestra, who is joining from Atalanta, is also able to deputise on the left flank.

Target: Pep Chavarria

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New manager Xabi Alonso tended to use wing-backs when in charge of Bayer Leverkusen in a 3-4-2-1 shape, where Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong flourished.

Chavarria played 44 games in all competitions for Vallecano last term, and he was part of the La Liga side that reached the UEFA Europa Conference League final.

He and his team-mates were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting the winner.

The Spaniard contributed three assists across all competitions, and scored once, against Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 league defeat.

If signed, Chavarria would become Chelsea’s second arrival of the campaign, after Palestra, who is still be announced by the club.

Standard Sport previously reported that the west Londoners have also had an £8million bid rejected by Sunderland for Granit Xhaka, with Alonso keen on a shock reunion with the former Arsenal star, who he managed at Leverkusen.