Chelsea have completed the signing of Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano as the Blues continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2031. Chelsea are understood to have paid an initial £16.3 million, with a further £1.7 million potentially due in add-ons.
Chavarria arrives following Marc Cucurella’s departure for Real Madrid earlier this summer, leaving Chelsea needing another established option on the left side of their defence.
The move represents a significant step in Chavarria’s career after his rise through Spanish football.
He began his senior career with Figueres before spells with Olot and Real Zaragoza. He joined Rayo Vallecano in 2022 and went on to make 125 appearances in all competitions for the Madrid club.
Chavarria’s final season with Rayo included an impressive European run as the Spanish side reached the UEFA Conference League final.
He started the final against Crystal Palace in Leipzig in May, but Rayo’s hopes of lifting the trophy were ended by a 1-0 defeat. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal as Palace secured the first European trophy in their history.
Chelsea will now hope Chavarria can translate his experience in La Liga and European competition into the Premier League.
The Spaniard can operate as a conventional left-back or further forward as a wing-back, giving Chelsea additional flexibility on the left.
His arrival comes during another busy summer at Stamford Bridge as the club prepare for the new campaign under Xabi Alonso. Reuters reports that Chelsea are looking to strengthen after finishing 10th last season.
Chavarria will also be expected to help fill the gap created by Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea have secured Chavarria on a long-term contract, and at 28 he arrives with considerably more first-team experience than many of the younger players the club have recruited in recent transfer windows.
The defender described joining Chelsea as a major moment in his career after completing the move from Rayo.
His immediate challenge will now be competing for a place in Alonso’s side as Chelsea look to improve on last season’s disappointing Premier League campaign.
