Chelsea reaches full agreement with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarria in €25m deal

Chelsea has reportedly reached a full agreement with Rayo Vallecano for left-back Pep Chavarria, with the Spanish club set to receive €25 million. The 28-year-old was identified as a priority target by new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso, and a deal has been struck after weeks of negotiation. Chavarria made 44 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring one goal and providing three assists. He is now on the verge of becoming a Chelsea player. Transfer expert insider reported on Saturday that Chelsea had improved its bid, while Matteo Moretto has now confirmed that a full agreement is in place. The €25m fee will make Chavarria Rayo Vallecano's most expensive sale in history. He is reported to be in London for a medical, with an official announcement expected shortly. That marks a significant breakthrough, given Chelsea had previously been told the defender would not leave unless his €50m release clause was triggered. At Stamford Bridge, Chavarria is expected to compete with Jorrel Hato for the left-back role. He could also be deployed as a wing-back if Alonso decides against the 4-2-3-1 shape he has used in the early weeks of preseason. Chelsea had also been linked with Lewis Hall, whose future at Newcastle United is uncertain, but the club is now set to sign Chavarria instead. That could open the door for Manchester United to move for the England defender. Chavarria would become Alonso's fifth signing as Chelsea head coach, following Marco Palestra, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Danny Welbeck. Jordan Henderson is expected to follow after terminating his contract with Brentford by mutual consent. Chelsea has also finalized deals for Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Denner and Dastan Satpaev, while Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott remains a reported target. Chelsea has also been moving players on. Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Jimmy-Jay Morgan have been sold this summer. Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are expected to leave before the September 1 transfer deadline. Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy, while Jesse Derry and Harrison Murray-Campbell have also departed on temporary deals.