Chelsea are said to be pushing ahead with their next deal after their big-money signing of Marco Palestra. The Blues are backing Xabi Alonso this summer as they look to strengthen this squad to the point of being clear top four candidates after a season that saw them miss out on Europe altogether.
Chelsea were better than their final league position, but it was a chaotic season at the club, leading to two managerial sackings, and most were left wondering how differently the season would have ended had they simply stuck with Maresca, but relationships were splintered, leading to his sacking.
Alonso is now in charge, and there is excitement about the new playing identity the Spaniard will give the Blues. But that identity is not going to come without new signings, and right-back Palestra was the first to arrive, not including the pre-planned signing of Geovany Quenda.
Chelsea pressing ahead with Chavarria deal
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Chelsea's next main target is Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, who is being seen as the Mar Cucurella replacement. Fabrizio Romano believes a deal is close, with the Blues set to return with a fresh approach.
"For Chelsea, we have to keep a close eye on the situation of Pep Chavarria, because Pep Chavarria is ready to go to Chelsea," Romano said on his YouTube show.
"There is an agreement of personal terms between Rayo Vallecano and Chelsea. From what I understand, they are ready to send a new official bid, so Chelsea will return to the table with a new proposal for Chavarria, and he could be the next signing for Chelsea in terms of full-backs, after Marco Palestra on the right."
Chavarria is said to have a release clause worth £21.5million, and Rayo are said to be demanding the full clause is reached and paid if they are to sell.
Chavarria a player who always wants to learn
Xabi Alonso smiles in a press conference while working as Real Madrid manager
Now former Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, who has since joined Villarreal, said that Chavarria was "a luxury to have in the team," with the full-back helping the Vallecas side to the Conference League final last season.
Speaking about his own progress, Chavarria said late last season: "I'm not the same player as when I arrived. I have learned a lot. The boss has helped me progress in what I needed to improve and I'm very happy because I keep learning every day."
"My mentality year after year has been growing, and now as a reward, you find yourself in the Conference League quarter-finals and you are able to win."
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