**Chelsea are close to completing a deal for Pep Chavarria after making a breakthrough in talks with Rayo Vallecano.**
The 28-year-old has already agreed personal terms and is expected to receive permission to undergo a medical as the clubs finalise the agreement.
Chelsea have pursued Chavarria throughout the summer after Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid in June. Xabi Alonso currently has Jorrel Hato as his only recognised senior left-back, while 18-year-old Landon Emenalo has also played there during pre-season.
The Blues have faced difficult negotiations with Rayo, who previously pointed towards Chavarria’s €50million release clause. However, the two clubs have continued working towards a compromise rather than allowing talks to collapse.
[ReadChelsea previously reported that Chavarria had agreed personal terms as Chelsea prepared another offer](https://readchelsea.com/2026/07/13/chelsea-prepare-e25m-chavarria-bid-after-full-agreement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
[The Athletic now reports that Chelsea are close to finalising an agreement with Rayo Vallecano](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7415864/2026/08/04/chelsea-transfer-news-pep-chavarria-rayo-vallecano/). Chavarria is waiting for Rayo to give him permission to undergo his medical before completing the move.
Chelsea have considered other left-back options, but Simon Johnson reports that Chavarria has remained their number one target. Alonso’s staff believe he can contribute immediately while also helping Hato and Emenalo continue their development.
The Spaniard would bring considerable senior experience to that group. He has made 125 appearances for Rayo since joining from Real Zaragoza in 2022 and played throughout their run to last season’s Conference League final.
Chavarria completed the full 90 minutes when Rayo lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in Leipzig. UEFA’s official team sheet confirms that he started at left-back in the final.
Chelsea have already strengthened several areas of Alonso’s squad this summer, but left-back remained an obvious vacancy. Hato offers long-term quality and versatility, while Chavarria would provide the experienced specialist Chelsea have wanted since Cucurella left.
The final fee has not yet been reported. However, with personal terms already agreed and a medical now expected, Chelsea appear closer than ever to finally getting their preferred left-back.