Romano: Medical taking place for Chelsea’s €21m backup signing after long negotiations | OneFootball

Pep Chavarria is on his way to England to take his medical and sign his contract ahead of a move to Chelsea.

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After almost a full summer of negotiations, Chelsea have finally got their man: Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Pep Chavarria has arrived in England for his medical and his contract signing. The left back should be announced as a new signing this week.

There was a lot of back and forth over the price, which Romano reveals finally settled at €19m, plus €2m in potential bonus payments. The 28 year old is yet another experienced signing in a summer which has seen the Blues’ transfer strategy shift dramatically.

Chavarria to start as backup – with lots of upside

Pep Chavarria (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

It still feels like Jorrel Hato will be the Blues’ first choice at left back – certainly to start the season. He impressed in the latter half of our last campaign, in difficult circumstances, and deserves a chance to get a run of games as a starter. The fact he’s been available through all of preseason helps his case with Xabi Alonso. Chavarria will get time to adapt to England, and will probably begin the season as backup – but he will know he’s Alonso’s chosen man and has a great chance to climb the ladder.

In other news…

Jody Morris’ team to start against Fulham is similar to what most Chelsea fans would pick – and shows the big issue with the midfield right now.

Marco Palestra has impressed in preseason so far, and already has the makings of a cult hero about him. He can’t wait to get started in the Premier League.