Fabrizio Romano has dropped a new update on Chelsea‘s negotiations to sign Rayo Vallecano star Pep Chavarria.
At 28-years-old, the defender isn’t in the usual age bracket of players BlueCo tend to target, but they have set out to bring in more experience this summer, with Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka also emerging as a target.
However, the Blues’ pursuit of the 33-year-old is believed to have ended in failure, as the Switzerland midfielder re-affirmed his commitment to his current employers.
Alongside strengthening in midfield, the west Londoners may also look to reshuffle their backline this summer, as they are willing to offload versatile defender Trevoh Chalobah, with Fulham keen.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Chelsea may have to sign a Chalobah replacement, while strengthening on the other side of the defence will also be important, with Marc Cucurella leaving to join Real Madrid. That explains the interest in Chavarria, who is a left-back by trade. |
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Finances |
With Madrid forking out an initial £47.5m for Cucurella, the Blues should have plenty of funds to bring in a replacement, and a deal for the Vallecano star should be affordable, considering they are only demanding around £17m. |
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Insight |
Former Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez suggested the Figueres-born defender is one of the best left-backs in Spain, saying: “It’s clear that Pep is at a very high level, even among the other left-backs in La Liga.” Last season, he was one of their most important players, picking up one goal and two assists in 33 matches. |
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Impact |
The Spaniard would likely be a direct replacement for compatriot Cucurella. However, there are some doubts over whether he would be a suitable replacement for the Euro 2024-winning defender, as he hasn’t been capped for Spain at the age of 28. |
Chelsea in talks to sign Pep Chavarria
Romano has shared a new update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Chavarria, revealing they have already had an opening bid knocked back by the La Liga side.
However, the full-back remains keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with talks currently ongoing, and more discussions have been planned, with a view to getting a deal over the line.
How Pep Chavarria compares to Marc Cucurella
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente clearly rates Cucurella above the Rayo Vallecano star, considering the former Chelsea man has been Spain’s starting left-back at the World Cup, picking up three assists in four games.
Chavarria, on the other hand, failed to make the squad, and he was outperformed across some key defensive and attacking metrics last season.
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Average per 90 (league) |
Marc Cucurella |
Pep Chavarria |
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Tackles |
1.8 |
1.8 |
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Interceptions |
1.1 |
1.0 |
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Chances created |
1.3 |
0.9 |
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Accurate passes |
42.1 |
36.3 |
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Clearances per 90 |
2.9 |
2.9 |
As such, the former Real Zaragoza man could be a downgrade on Cucurella, but a deal wouldn’t break the bank at just £17m, and he did perform very similarly to the Real Madrid defender from a defensive standpoint.
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