Chelsea close in on Pep Chavarria signing after breakthrough in Rayo Vallecano talks | OneFootball

Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Pep Chavarria after making significant progress in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano.

The Blues have been pursuing the Spaniard for several weeks and are now close to reaching a full agreement with the La Liga club.

According to The Athletic, Chavarria has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, leaving the two clubs to finalise the remaining details of the transfer.

Once those are completed, the 28-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before becoming another addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Chelsea have prioritised the signing of a left-back since Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid earlier this summer.

That departure left Jorrel Hato as the club’s only senior natural option on the left side of defence. Academy prospect Landon Emenalo has featured there during pre-season.

Although Chelsea assessed several alternatives during the transfer window, Chavarria has consistently been viewed internally as their preferred solution.

The Spaniard has impressed in La Liga over the past four seasons after joining Vallecano from Real Zaragoza in 2022.

He played an important role as they reached the Europa Conference League final last season, where they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace.

His performances highlighted the defensive consistency and attacking energy that Chelsea believe can strengthen Alonso’s tactical system.

Chavarria has made more than 120 appearances for Vallecano and is under contract until 2030, with his deal including a reported €50 million release clause.

Chelsea have been negotiating directly with the Spanish club and are expected to sign the defender for a considerably lower fee.

The move forms part of another busy transfer window at Stamford Bridge.

Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck, Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra have already arrived.

Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha were previously secured as part of the club’s long-term recruitment strategy.

With pre-season entering its final stages, Chelsea are eager to complete Chavarria’s arrival as quickly as possible.

The expectation is that the Spaniard will provide immediate competition on the left flank while also helping to mentor younger defenders coming through the club’s academy.