Chelsea submit opening offer for shock summer signing

Chelsea submit opening offer for surprise summer signing have submitted an opening offer worth €9 million for defender , according to reports in Spain. The 28-year-old has been earmarked as a top target by the Blues hierarchy following the sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, and they are eager to finalise a deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge before the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Chavarria, who is capable of playing as a left-back or a left wing-back, made 44 appearances across all competitions for Rayo Vallecano last season, including their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Europa Conference League final. Chelsea are expected to promote Jorrel Hato into a starting role as Cucurella’s replacement next season, but they are keen to finalise a deal for Chavarria, who would then be the back-up option to the Dutchman. insider and have confirmed that club-to-club talks are underway, with Chelsea keen to finalise a deal as soon as possible, while Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that an opening bid of €9m has been lodged by Xabi Alonso’s side. It’s reported that Rayo Vallecano have rejected this offer, as they look to earn a higher fee for the left-back, but negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming days amid Chelsea’s pursuit of his signature. Who else will Chelsea sign this summer? In addition to Chavarria, Chelsea are also expected to sign Marco Palestra, with a deal in place for the Atalanta star. The Italy international is in London to undergo a medical ahead of a €55m transfer and he is expected to be deployed in a right wing-back role next season, with Malo Gusto’s future at Stamford Bridge in doubt as a result of the deal. Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen to finalise a deal for Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix too as Alonso looks to oversee a major defensive rebuild after a hugely disappointing 2025-26 campaign. In attack, Morgan Rogers remains Chelsea’s top target, but Arsenal also want to sign the England superstar and it’s understood that a move to the Emirates Stadium is more likely at this stage, with Mikel Arteta’s side able to offer Champions League football.