**Chelsea have submitted an improved offer to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría as Xabi Alonso pushes to strengthen the position before the new Premier League season.**
[Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2083549880413208717) says negotiations are moving forward after the Blues returned with a new proposal for the Spaniard.
Romano reported on Saturday that Chelsea have increased their bid for the 28-year-old, who has been identified by Alonso as a leading target following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
The value of Chelsea’s latest proposal has not yet been disclosed. Previous reports claimed an opening offer of around €15million was rejected, with Rayo Vallecano demanding considerably more before sanctioning a sale.
Chavarría has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout the summer, with Chelsea already attempting to reach an agreement with Rayo.
[ReadChelsea previously reported that negotiations had stalled](https://readchelsea.com/2026/07/16/chelsea-talks-stall-as-rayo-vallecano-demand-full-transfer-fee/) as the Spanish club stood firm over their valuation of the defender.
The latest update therefore represents progress for Chelsea as Alonso looks to add another natural left-back to his squad.
Jorrel Hato can operate on that side, although the Netherlands international is also capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back. Chavarría would provide a more specialised option and can play either as a conventional full-back or wing-back.
The Spaniard started 29 La Liga matches last season and has developed into an important player for Rayo.
Chelsea have already strengthened the opposite flank with Marco Palestra, while Maxence Lacroix has also arrived to add further competition in central defence.
Chavarría would represent another piece of Alonso’s defensive rebuild. Romano’s latest update suggests Chelsea are now attempting to overcome the final hurdle and secure one of their manager’s preferred targets.