Chelsea have made a new enquiry for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after completing a deal to sign Spanish defender Pep Chavarria. The 22-year-old Scott has been valued at around £80m by Bournemouth following another impressive season.
Chavarria joins from Rayo Vallecano
Xabi Alonso identified Chavarria as his top target for the left-back position after Marc Cucurella left Stamford Bridge to sign for Real Madrid. Chelsea wanted to keep hold of World Cup winner Cucurella, who has developed into one of the best full-backs in Europe, but he decided to leave after talks with the Spanish giants.
Alonso has put his faith in Chavarria to fill the void left by Cucurella's exit, with the 28-year-old joining from Rayo Vallecano on a five-year deal. Chavarria made over 100 appearances for the La Liga side, helping Vallecano reach the Europa Conference League final last season.
Midfield interest amid Fernandez uncertainty
The £18m signing is one of over ten new faces to arrive in west London this summer, but Chelsea have not concluded their business in the transfer market. They are interested in signing a new midfielder, especially if Enzo Fernandez gets his wish and secures a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez made it clear earlier in the summer that he wanted to leave Chelsea amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City. Madrid's interest in the Argentina international had faded, but Man City remain in the mix as they look for a replacement for Barcelona-bound Rodri.
Braced for a fresh approach from Man City for Fernandez, Chelsea have made a new enquiry for Scott, according to The Guardian. Chelsea made a £64m bid for Scott last month, but Bournemouth instantly rejected the offer and said no further approaches would be welcome. The Blues look set to test Bournemouth's resolve with an improved bid, especially if Man City show a willingness to meet Fernandez's £120m asking price.
Chavarria speaks out on Chelsea transfer
After becoming Alonso's latest summer signing at Chelsea, Chavarria told the club's official website: 'In the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, I dreamed of moments like this.'
'When I was a child, it was always my goal to arrive at a club like this. I've played at every level in Spain, and to be able to move up, it's always been about hard work because today is my dream coming true. I can say it was all worth it.'
'I think that the Premier League is the best in the world. I think there is more intensity, more duels and more quality than anywhere. And I think that it's the perfect league for me.'
'I'm a player that loves this intensity, one-to-one battles – I love it. Xabi was a top player, and now, for me, he's one of the best managers in the world.'
'I spoke to him, and he explained his ideas and how I can fit into that. He wants my intensity, those one-on-ones, box-to-box attacking and defending runs – and this is how I play.'
'Chelsea are winners, and they have winners. They are world champions with players like Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, Estevao, and I think they are some of the best players in the world.'
'And Chelsea have a lot of history too with players like Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard – some of the best players in the world have played here. They have won the Champions League and the Club World Cup – it's really exciting.'
Chelsea have one final pre-season friendly, against Real Sociedad on Saturday, before kick-starting their Premier League campaign with a trip to west London rivals Fulham. The Blues finished just 10th in the Premier League last season, failing to qualify for any European competition, but are expected to improve under Alonso.
