Transfer: Chelsea complete signing of Pep Chavarria

Chelsea have finalized the signing of Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, as reported by Marca.

Chavarria solidified his status as one of the most coveted wing-backs in Spanish football last season, making 44 appearances across all competitions and contributing one goal along with three assists.

The Blues have been compelled to seek a new left-back in the transfer market following the departure of Chavarria’s fellow countryman Marc Cucurella, who transferred to Real Madrid for £51.8 million earlier this summer.

Personal terms had already been established with Chavarria’s representatives, and the west London club now has an agreement with Rayo Vallecano after several fruitful discussions in recent days.

As reported by the Spanish newspaper Marca, the two clubs have reached an agreement on a €25 million (£21.4 million) deal, plus bonuses, for the 28-year-old full-back.

This transfer marks the most expensive sale in Rayo Vallecano’s history and is expected to be officially announced ‘in the coming hours’ once Chelsea and Rayo Vallecano finalize the last remaining details.

Rayo Vallecano has had to ease their initial demands for Chavarria, whose release clause with the La Liga club is set at €50 million (£42.8 million).

While Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen had also shown significant interest, Chavarria preferred a move to the Premier League, where he will have the opportunity to work under fellow countryman Xabi Alonso.

Chavarria was prioritized on Chelsea’s list of targets after his profile was deemed ideally suited to Alonso’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

The Spaniard is already in England and is expected to sign a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.

His current contract with Rayo Vallecano is not set to expire until June 2030.

Chelsea have had a busy start to the transfer window, having also secured deals for Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Danny Welbeck, and Valentin Barco, whose signing was announced on Sunday evening.