Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria, as Xabi Alonso continues to reshape the squad. An agreement between the clubs is close after talks began at the end of June, with the 28-year-old left-back expected to agree personal terms without issue before undergoing a medical.
Impressive Season at Rayo
Chavarria made 44 appearances across all competitions last season, including starting the Conference League final, where Rayo lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace. He contributed three assists and scored once, against Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 defeat.
He is not intended as a direct replacement for Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid for £51.8 million earlier in the summer. Instead, Chelsea plan to promote Jorrel Hato to a greater role, with Chavarria providing cover at both left-back and left wing-back.
Ninth Summer Signing
Once signed, Chavarria will become Chelsea's ninth arrival of the summer, following Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco, and Jordan Henderson.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have agreed a deal with Como for Trevoh Chalobah, worth €30 million (£25.7 million) plus up to €6 million (£5.1 million) in add-ons. Chalobah made 47 appearances last season under three different head coaches but is now close to departing, with Como managed by former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
