Chelsea close to next summer signing as improved offer prepared

13 Jul 2026 13:22 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Chelsea are ready to submit a new offer worth €25 million for Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria, according to reports in Spain.

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The 28-year-old has been identified as a key target by the Chelsea hierarchy, amid their pursuit of a new left-back, and they are set to lodge an improved bid for his services in an attempt to convince Rayo Vallecano to sell.

That is according to Marca, who report that Chelsea are on the verge of formally submitting a fresh offer that will reach €25m when including possible add-on payments.

Current ETV

Pep Chavarría

D (L)

Rayo Vallecano

Pep Chavarría

D (L)

Rayo Vallecano

ETV Range

€8.5M - €11.5M

Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, with a desire to reach a resolution, and it’s understood that Chavarria is eager to link up with his compatriot Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Spaniard made 44 appearances for Rayo Vallecano across all competitions last season, registering four goal contributions, and he is expected to play a back-up role to Jorrel Hato if his proposed move to Chelsea goes through.

Marca claim that Chavarria has a “firm agreement” in place with Chelsea and he is reportedly hopeful that a transfer fee will be agreed in order for him to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League.

Alonso has specifically asked the Chelsea hierarchy to sign Chavarria this summer and negotiations are being handled directly by the Rayo Vallecano president, Raul Presa, who may ask for a fixed fee of €25m to sanction a deal.

© IMAGO - Pep Chavarria is expected to join Chelsea

Analysis: Who else will Chelsea sign this summer?

In addition to Chavarria, Chelsea are also in talks to finalise a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who has been earmarked as the club’s priority centre-back target following Jan Paul van Hecke’s move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The likes of Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile are set to be sold before the window closes in order to make room for Lacroix, with Chelsea keen to sign the France international to become Levi Colwill’s centre-back partner next season.

The Blues are also eager to bolster their forward ranks with the addition of a versatile attacker and they are battling Arsenal for the signature of Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers.

Central midfield is an area of concern too, following the decision to sell Andrey Santos to Manchester United, and rumours suggest that Chelsea remain in talks over a deal for Adam Wharton. Meanwhile, Valentin Barco is expected to arrive from sister club Strasbourg.

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