Chelsea Transfer News
Chelsea step up pursuit of Pep Chavarría as left-back search continues
Chelsea are pushing for Pep Chavarría as talks continue over a left-back move this summer.
Chelsea are said to have increased their push for Rayo Vallecano left back Pep Chavarría as they look to solve the vacancy created by Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
MARCA reports that Rayo Vallecano turned down an opening proposal of about $17.3 million (€15 million) and are holding out for a fee closer to $28.8 million (€25 million) for the 28-year-old. The size of Chelsea’s revised offer has not been disclosed, but talks are still active and a deal could yet move quickly.
Chavarría has not appeared in any of Rayo Vallecano’s three July preseason matches, with the player reportedly focused on a switch to Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso is believed to be driving the move, while personal terms are not expected to create problems.
The need for Chelsea to strengthen on the left side of defence is clear after Cucurella’s departure. Jorrel Hato impressed in his first season in England, but the Dutchman may be more naturally suited to develop as a centre back. That leaves Chelsea with an obvious need to secure a senior left back before the summer transfer window closes.
Chavarría’s route to this point has been a gradual one. He did not make his La Liga debut until the age of 24, then followed two solid seasons at Real Zaragoza with a move to Rayo Vallecano in the summer of 2022. There, under Andoni Iraola and later Iñigo Pérez, he developed into a reliable, high-energy fullback.
His profile has been shaped by consistency and endurance. He became a key figure in a Rayo side that reached European competition for the first time in 25 years and later advanced to the UEFA Conference League final last season. Chavarría also started 29 La Liga matches a season ago, underlining the trust placed in him.
If Chelsea complete the move, they would be signing an established player who could step straight into the role left open by Cucurella, with the flexibility to operate as either a fullback or wing-back.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s next steps after Lacroix as summer rebuild gathers pace
Chelsea have more work to do after Lacroix, with exits, bids and defensive plans still unfolding.
Chelsea were always going to be busy again in this window, and the arrival of Maxence Lacroix only sharpens the focus on what comes next. With Xabi Alonso already shaping the direction of the squad, the club’s summer business appears far from finished.
The Blues have already added Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, while Lacroix has emerged as a key defensive figure for Stamford Bridge. His fit makes sense in a system built around an extra centre back, and Chelsea’s back line is now clearly in the middle of a significant overhaul.
That reshaping could also mean exits. Trevoh Chalobah is among the players available for the right price, with Como currently leading the chase after increasing their offer. Inter Milan had shown interest, but the latest expectation is that a move to Como could be completed.
Chelsea are also looking at further additions. Alex Scott has drawn attention after rejecting Bournemouth’s latest contract offer, even though the club want to keep him for another season. A reported £64 million bid from Chelsea was turned down, and a wider race for his signature may follow. A deal would also affect Enzo Fernández’s standing in west London.
Elsewhere, Axel Disasi remains at Chelsea and is still expected to leave. The defender spent the latter stages of the last two seasons on loan, first with Aston Villa and then with West Ham United. He has no interest in playing in the second tier, and Italian clubs are believed to be interested, although another loan may be required.
Chelsea have also moved for width on the left, with Pep Chavarría targeted after personal terms were said to have been agreed. Rayo Vallecano are reportedly holding firm on his £21.5 million release clause. Jorrel Hato is another option, while Benoît Badiashile remains a player of clear quality but one whose best form has been hard to sustain. In Alonso’s new setup, Chelsea still have plenty to resolve.
