Chelsea nearing Pep Chavarría move from Rayo Vallecano

Chelsea is closing in on the signing of Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the 28-year-old Spaniard has already agreed personal terms with the London club. The move is not done yet, but the player is expected to undergo a medical once the clubs iron out the remaining details. Ornstein says talks have been constructive and the two sides are close to finalizing the deal. Chelsea has made signing a left-back a priority since Marc Cucurella left for Real Madrid. Jorrel Hato is currently the only natural option in that position in the first-team squad, while 18-year-old Landon Emenalo has also featured there during preseason. Chavarría has been at Rayo Vallecano since 2022, when he joined from Zaragoza, and has made 125 appearances for the Madrid-based club. Last season he helped the team reach the Conference League final, where they narrowly lost to Crystal Palace. His current contract runs until the summer of 2030 and includes a €50 million release clause. Ornstein reports that negotiations are progressing well, with the clubs nearing the final stage of the transfer.