via Reuters
Chelsea are now close to completing the signing of Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, as details emerge about the agreement.
Chelsea's squad strength in depth is well known but it hasn't stopped them backing new manager Xabi Alonso in the transfer market this summer.
Eight new players have already arrived through the door at Stamford Bridge, including four players with big Premier League experience in Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix.
Valentin Barco, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda are the other new players coming in, but the Blues aren't finished there as they look to give Alonso the strongest squad possible to push up the Premier League table again next season.
The west London outfit have a big opportunity to do that without the distraction of European football, just as Manchester United did when they ended up in third place last term.
Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia has been a mixed bag of results so far, with a 6-4 win against the Western Sydney Wanderers being followed up by a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in terms of incoming signings.
Chelsea Finalising £16.3m Pep Chavarria Deal
Xabi Alonso smiles in a press conference while working as Real Madrid manager
According to GMS sources on Wednesday morning, Chelsea are now finalising a deal worth €19m (£16.3m) plus add-ons for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, as they look to secure another summer signing for Xabi Alonso.
The 28-year-old has made 125 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring twice and registering eight assists, and provides extra competition in the position following the exit of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.
Chelsea's current left-back options include Jorrel Hato, while Reece James and Malo Gusto have shown they can also play there if needed, but the addition of Chavarria was much-needed.
Chelsea Players Linked With Exits
via Reuters
As new players continue to arrive at Stamford Bridge, it is natural that others could be on their way out of the club before the September 1 deadline.
Nicolas Jackson is a target for Aston Villa and an enquiry has been made by Unai Emery's men for the Senegal international, according to GMS sources, but talk of interest from Tottenham Hotspur has been played down elsewhere.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Blues winger Pedro Neto is also a back-up option for Spurs if they fail to land preferred winger targets Savinho and Cody Gakpo from Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, with City themselves keen on Neto too.