Chelsea agree Pep Chavarria deal as Romano gives 'here we go' confirmation

Chelsea have finally got their man. The club have agreed a deal with Rayo Vallecano for left-back Pep Chavarria, ending weeks of negotiations and handing Xabi Alonso the player he identified as the ideal fit for his defence. The move was sparked by Marc Cucurella's exit to Real Madrid six weeks ago. Chelsea's opening offer of €15m was not enough, with Rayo making clear they would not sell cheaply and pointing to Chavarria's €50m release clause. A compromise has now been reached: insider reports an initial €19m fee plus €2m in add-ons. Romano wrote: 'Chelsea agree deal to sign Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano, here we go! Deal done for Spanish left back, €19m fixed fee plus €2m add-ons. Chavarria will now fly for medical and contract signing. Club to club signatures happening tonight.' Chavarria is not the typical young project signing Chelsea have chased in recent windows. He made his top flight debut at 24 and has now played 100 times for Rayo, and he arrives as a more experienced option for Alonso. The Spaniard can play as a full-back or wing-back and is reportedly open to mentoring Jorrel Hato as the 20-year-old continues his development. Hato was Chelsea's only natural senior left-back before this agreement. The arrival of Chavarria gives Alonso two credible options, with Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck also added as part of a shift toward experience this summer.