Chelsea are set to finalize a deal for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria (28), valued at £16.3m plus add-ons, to replace Marc Cucurella, who moved to Real Madrid. Negotiations have been ongoing for over a month, with Chelsea targeting the experienced defender to bolster their youthful squad. Chavarria, a key player for Rayo last season, made 44 appearances across all competitions and featured in the Conference League final.

Sky Sports' Adam Bate highlights his versatility, noting his ability to overlap, underlap, and contribute to midfield, as well as his reputation as one of La Liga’s hardest-working full-backs. Chavarria’s stats show he ranked in the top dozen for crosses, defensive blocks, and possession wins, making him a dynamic outlet. While not a playmaker like Grimaldo, his work rate and adaptability align with Chelsea’s tactical needs.