Chelsea’s efforts to sign Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarría have hit a stumbling block as the Spanish side continue to demand €50m.
AS report that Chelsea have offered €15m for the 28-year-old left-back as they seek to replace Marc Cucurella. But Rayo consider that figure to be insufficient.
€15m not enough
Sport Witness have covered reports over the last two days explaining that Chelsea have turned their attention to Pep Chavarría this summer.
They need a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who let Stamford Bridge earlier this summer to join Real Madrid.
A first report, on June 29th, explained that they had identified Chavarría as a potential replacement. It also stated that contact was already underway with Rayo Vallecano about a potential deal.
A second report today explained that the idea was gaining traction in Spain. Two separate source stated that Chelsea had seen a €9m offer rejected. AS now provide further information on the Blues’ efforts.
According to their information, Chelsea are currently offering €15m for the left-back. Xabi Alonso is a big fan of him and wants him as the replacement for Cucurella this summer.
But Rayo Vallecano have no interest in a sale at the figures already offered. Instead, they are demanding €50m for their man. That’s the valuation of his current release clause.
The Spanish side are refusing to negotiate, boosted by the fact Chavarría signed a new deal at the club until 2030 last year.
Wolves treatment
Chelsea target Pep Chavarría
Chelsea target Pep Chavarría
AS explain this is nothing new for Rayo Vallecano either. They have traditionally protected themselves with high release clauses to prevent the team being disassembled.
Last summer already saw them treat Wolves in a similar manner. They made an offer of €18m for Andrei Rațiu but were rejected by the Spanish side. They instead insisted that his €25m release clause be paid. As a result, a deal did not happen.
And at present, that appears to be what will happen with Chelsea and Pep Chavarría. Their current bid is nowhere near what Rayo Vallecano want.
🇮🇹 Marco Palestra | “You can’t stop him” ➡️ Praise as player on verge of joining Chelsea https://t.co/yhfeFe31jn #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 1, 2026