Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría, according to Matteo Moretto.
The transfer is now expected to be made official shortly, with the 28-year-old already in London as the final details are completed.
Moretto reports that the agreement is worth around €25million including bonuses, which would make Chavarría the most expensive sale in Rayo Vallecano’s history.
A current report carrying Moretto’s latest update also states that Chavarría is in London with his representatives to complete the move.
Pep Chavarría to Chelsea finally reaches agreement
Chelsea have spent several weeks negotiating with Rayo after Xabi Alonso identified Chavarría as his preferred addition on the left side of defence.
ReadChelsea reported in July that Chelsea were preparing a package worth up to €25m after reaching an agreement with the player. Rayo’s demands over the structure of the fee subsequently delayed the transfer.
Those negotiations have now seemingly reached their conclusion.
Chavarría chose Chelsea despite Bayer Leverkusen also showing interest. Moretto reports that the opportunity to work with Alonso was important to the Spaniard’s decision.
The defender made 44 appearances across all competitions for Rayo last season, scoring once and providing three assists.
His arrival would give Alonso another specialist option following Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid.
Jorrel Hato can operate at left-back but also provides cover in central defence. Chavarría is a more natural attacking full-back and can also play as a wing-back, which should suit Alonso if Chelsea use a back three.
The Spaniard’s age also makes this a slightly different Chelsea signing.
At 28, Chavarría arrives as an experienced first-team player rather than a long-term development project.
Only the final formalities now appear to remain before Chelsea can announce another addition to Alonso’s squad.
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