Chelsea have opened negotiations with Rayo Vallecano over the signing of versatile defender Pep Chavarria, as new manager Xabi Alonso targets his second summer addition. Standard Sport understands that the two clubs are currently discussing the details of a potential transfer for the 28-year-old left-back.
Chavarria's Role at Chelsea
Chavarria would not be a direct replacement for Marc Cucurella, who was sold to Real Madrid two weeks ago for £51.8 million. Instead, Chelsea plan to promote Jorrel Hato to a greater level of responsibility, while Chavarria would provide cover at both left-back and left wing-back. Right-back Marco Palestra, who is joining from Atalanta, can also deputise on the left flank.
Xabi Alonso's System
Alonso tended to use wing-backs during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation where Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong flourished. Chavarria played 44 games in all competitions for Vallecano last season, helping the La Liga side reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final. They were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the winner. The Spaniard contributed three assists across all competitions and scored once, against Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 league defeat.
Second Summer Signing
If signed, Chavarria would become Chelsea's second arrival of the campaign, following Palestra, who is yet to be officially announced by the club. Standard Sport previously reported that Chelsea have also had an £8 million bid rejected by Sunderland for Granit Xhaka, with Alonso keen on a reunion with the former Arsenal star, whom he managed at Leverkusen.
