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.
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
Finances
Insight
Impact
Chelsea in talks to sign Pep Chavarria
FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in action with Rayo Vallecano's Pathe Ciss and 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.
Average per 90 (league) Marc Cucurella Pep Chavarria
Tackles 1.8 1.8
Interceptions 1.1 1.0
Chances created 1.3 0.9
Accurate passes 42.1 36.3
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.
Enzo Fernandez Related
[Enzo 2.0: Chelsea ready to sign the "most unique U21 player on the planet"](https://www.footballfancast.com/new-enzo-chelsea-ready-to-sign-world-cup-star-johan-manzambi/ "Enzo 2.0: Chelsea ready to sign the "most unique U21 player on the planet"")
Chelsea is lining up a move for this young star who is just like Enzo Fernandez.