Pep Chavarria: Chelsea close in on Xabi Alonso's ninth signing as youngster set for promotion | OneFootball

Blues set to add versatile defender to their ranks

Standard Sport understands an agreement between Chelsea and Rayo Vallecano - last season’s Conference League finalists - for Chavarria is close after the club began talks over a deal at the end of June.

The 28-year-old left-back has already agreed personal terms with the Blues, and will undergo a medical ahead of completing his move to Stamford Bridge once there is a club-to-club agreement.

Chavarria made 44 appearances across all competitions for Rayo Vallecano last season, including starting the aforementioned European final as the LaLiga side were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the winner.

The Spaniard weighed in with three assists and scored once - against Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 loss.

Though, as previously reported by Standard Sport, Chavarria will not be the direct replacement for Marc Cucurella, who was sold to Real Madrid earlier in the summer for £51.8million.

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

Once signed, Chavarria will become Chelsea’s ninth arrival of the summer after Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson.

Pep Chavarria is on his way to Chelsea

London Standard

Meanwhile, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Como for Trevoh Chalobah.

Standard Sport understands the deal taking Chalobah to Como - managed by former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas - is worth €30million (£25.7m) plus up to €6m (£5.1m) in add-ons.

Chalobah was a mainstay in Chelsea’s defence last season, making 47 appearances across all competitions under three different head coaches, but was not considered untouchable ahead of the arrival of Xabi Alonso this summer.

Standard Sport reported that while Chelsea rate Chalobah highly, and were not actively looking to sell, interest from Como means the academy product is closing in on a departure.