OFFICIAL: Chelsea confirm Chavarria signing

Updated: 12 Aug 2026 11:14 BST | 3 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano after many weeks of negotiations.

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Chavarria had been identified as Xabi Alonso’s ideal target to replace Marc Cucurella after the left-back joined Real Madrid in June but Chelsea had seen multiple offers rejected for the 28-year-old.

However, a breakthrough was made earlier this month, with an initial fee of €19 million agreed plus an additional €2m in add-ons, and Chavarria has now been confirmed as Chelsea’s tenth new arrival of the summer on a five-year deal until 2031.

“I’m so excited to get started,’ Chavarria said. “This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success.

“There are a lot of people who have helped me get to this moment and I have to thank my family. They have always supported me and today is only possible because of them.”

He added: “I'm here thanks to Xabi. For me, he's one of the best coaches right now. I am so happy to join one of the best clubs in the world”

Chavarria arrives at Chelsea as Alonso gets his man

Chavarria’s signing represents a dramatic rise to stardom for the Spaniard, having been somewhat of a late bloomer in his career, with his La Liga debut coming at the age of 24.

Welcome to Chelsea, Pep. ☕️ pic.twitter.com/oq1KPncIzs
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 12, 2026

Alonso had been keen to sign more experienced players, particularly with the presence of 20-year-old Jorrel Hato already at left-back, and Chavarria was his ideal target.

Hato was Chelsea’s only natural senior left-back prior to the deal for Chavarria, although it remains to be seen which player is preferred by Alonso to start the season.

Chelsea will now focus on outgoings such as Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Axel Disasi, having experience in the likes of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck in recent weeks.