Xabi Alonso’s first pre-season as Chelsea manager has officially begun. The Spaniard will be keen to end the trend of failing managers in west London and will be well aware of how important recruitment is to achieving that.
The Blues have already brought in Marco Palestra from Atalanta and lost Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, sparking some early drama. Unfortunately, that’s just the beginning. As always, BlueCo still have a number of names in their sights, including Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Chelsea’s priority now is to find Cucurella’s successor, and that’s where Chavarria’s name comes into play. The Blues have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the left-back and hope to reach a final deal with Rayo Vallecano this week. |
finances | Vallecano have already rejected Chelsea’s offer of 15 million euros (approximately 1.3 billion yen) and offered Chavarria a hefty release clause of 50 million euros (approximately 4.3 billion yen). The big question is whether people in west London decide to pay for it now. If they want a quick transaction, they have no choice. |
insight | The 28-year-old is not lacking in experience and is full of attacking will. Last season in La Liga, he completed 17 dribbles from full-back, ranking him in the top 20 among defenders. However, he was also solid defensively, racking up 141 recoveries. |
impact | Chavarria’s arrival could end Chelsea’s search for a left-back, but they may be keen to welcome a younger option with the 28-year-old this summer. |
The Rayo Vallecano man has caught the attention of Chelsea as they aim to complete the deal and make a second signing this summer.
Chelsea aim to sign Chavarria
According to Spain’s Marca newspaper, as reported by Sport Witness, Chelsea are aiming to sign Chavarria this week and have already agreed personal terms with the left-back.
Rayo Vallecano have consistently pointed to a €50m (about £43m) release clause for the 28-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether the Blues can find a compromise and strike a bargain deal.
Personal terms have already been agreed and Stamford Bridge officials are close to securing Alonso’s second arrival this summer.
Chavarria is not a long-term solution for Chelsea
In many ways, Chavarria goes against Chelsea’s usual recruitment model. While many may consider that a good thing considering BlueCo’s lack of success in recent years, Chavarria is clearly not a long-term option.
The La Liga star will be a significant step up from Rayo Vallecano and replacing Cucurella will certainly not be an easy task. At 28 years old, there is not much room for further improvement.
25/26 | cucurella | fight |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 2,710 | 2,681 |
assist | 4 | 2 |
tackle | 55 | 54 |
collect | 113 | 142 |
Successful duel | 52.2% | 51.8% |
But as a short-term solution, the numbers suggest Chavarria could fill Alonso’s void. Vallecano’s star player is also excellent in possession and will not be lacking in dedication. For the Stamford Bridge side, it would be a move to sign a left-back along with other young options.
