This summer has already been one of relatively significant change at Chelsea, not least in the dugout.
The Blues appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager earlier this summer and he officially took charge last week, replacing head coach Liam Rosenior who was dismissed in April.
The west London side endured a difficult season last term and ultimately finished tenth in the Premier League, with both Rosenior and his predecessor, Enzo Maresca, both sacked during the course of the campaign.
Alonso arrives at Stamford Bridge with an impressive reputation, though, having guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title just three years ago.
Now, with Alonso hard at work, is has emerged that Chelsea are still locked in negotiations as they attempt to complete the signing of a highly-rated Spanish left-back.
As per Ben Jacobs, the Blues are still in talks with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano about a possible move for full-back Pep Chavarria.
Cucurella has left Chelsea to join Real Madrid (Photo: Every Second Media/Alamy)
It is claimed that the London side feel that their Spanish counterparts have somewhat ‘moved the goalposts’ during talks, with Chelsea initially believing that a fee of around £12.79 million would be enough to agree a deal.
Rayo have since dismissed that offer though and are now demanding more for the 28-year-old, who had an impressive season last term as the Spanish side reached the final of the Europa Conference League.
Chelsea’s interest in Chavarria comes in the wake of Marc Cucurella’s departure to join Spanish giants Real Madrid, with the Blues seemingly in search of reinforcements at full-back.
Chavarria joined Rayo from fellow Spanish side Real Zaragoza in 2022 and has since played 125 times for his current side in all competitions, providing eight assists.
It is claimed that Chelsea are trying to agree a deal to sign the defender without having to trigger his release clause.