Chelsea are closing in on an agreement with Rayo Vallecano for defender Pep Chavarria. The Blues have agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old, finalising a move worth about £16.3m plus add-ons. Left-back Chavarria is a key target for new manager Xabi Alonso, having faced him while in charge of Real Madrid last season.

Negotiations became protracted after an initial £15m bid was rejected, with Rayo at one stage asking for the full £42.8m release clause. Chavarria made it clear he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge. His arrival alongside right-back Marco Palestra would give Alonso the chance to replicate his wing-back system that helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga in 2024.

The signing also adds depth after Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid. It is another experienced addition, along with Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson, club-record signing Morgan Rogers, and defender Maxence Lacroix. Chelsea are expected to focus on sales, having agreed to sell Trevoh Chalobah to Como 1907 for about £31m.