Chelsea targets Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria to replace Cucurella

Chelsea have submitted an improved offer to sign Rayo Vallecano left‑back Pep Chavarria as a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid earlier this summer transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues’ new bid follows agreed personal terms with Chavarria and negotiations are now ‘moving forward’. Chelsea’s earlier £12.8 million bid was rejected by Rayo Vallecano last month.

The left‑back position has been a concern for Chelsea after Cucurella’s departure, leaving the squad thin on options behind Ben Chilwell and the emerging Ian Maatsen. Securing Chavarria would add depth and competition, potentially allowing rotation and reducing reliance on a single starter. For Rayo Vallecano, the sale would represent a significant outgoing transfer fee, though the exact figure remains undisclosed.

If the deal goes through, Chavarria is expected to undergo a medical and sign a multi‑year contract, with the transfer likely to be finalised before the August 31 deadline. Fans should consider how his arrival might affect Chilwell’s starting role, whether Maatsen gets more game time, and if Chelsea will still pursue additional defensive signings before the window closes.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/02/transfer-chelsea-pick-player-to-sign-as-cucurellas-replacement/