Chelsea is on the verge of agreeing to terms with Rayo Vallecano for the transfer of defender Pep Chavarria. The London club has already reached a personal agreement with the 28-year-old left-back, and there is growing optimism among all parties that a deal will be struck.
Sources indicate Chelsea is aiming for a transfer fee below £20 million. The acquisition of Chavarria is a priority for new manager Xabi Alonso, who previously managed against him during his tenure at Real Madrid last season. Negotiations began in late June when Chelsea's initial £15 million bid was rejected by the Spanish club. Reports suggest that Rayo Vallecano had at times increased their valuation, seeking a fee close to Chavarria's full release clause of £42.8 million.
Chavarria has reportedly communicated his desire to move to Stamford Bridge to Rayo Vallecano. His potential arrival, alongside new right-back Marco Palestra who joined from Atalanta for £47 million in July, would allow Alonso to implement the wing-back system that proved successful at Bayer Leverkusen. The signing also addresses depth at left-back, following the departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £51.8 million in June.
This move also brings further experienced players into the squad. Chelsea has also signed 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson after he terminated his contract with Brentford. Earlier in the transfer window, Chelsea completed the club-record signing of forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million and acquired defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million. Midfielder Valentin Barco is also expected to join from partner club Strasbourg.
The club is reportedly shifting focus to player sales in the coming weeks, having reached an agreement to sell Trevoh Chalobah to Como 1907 for approximately £31 million.