Chelsea in advanced talks to sign defender as he agrees wage cut

Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, who’s been at the Estadio de Vallecas since the summer of 2022 and is willing to take a wage cut to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chavarria, 28, scored once and assisted thrice in 41 games across competitions last season. That lone goal and two of the assists came in 33 games in La Liga, where Vallecano finished eighth, 44 points behind winners Barcelona (94). He also played eight times in the UEFA Europa Conference League, where Vallecano lost to Crystal Palace in the final.

Despite being contracted to the Vallecas till 2030, he has caught the attention of the Blues. As per talkSPORT, Xabi Alonso’s side are in the final stages of completing a £21.5 million deal, just short of triggering his release clause.

Talks are said to be at an advanced stage between both parties, with Chavarria being seen as a strong option to replace Marc Cucurella, who moved to Real Madrid last month on a six-year deal worth £51.8 million.

How many Chelsea players are still active at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Four Chelsea players remain active at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United Stages, Mexico and Canada as the competition enters the semi-final stage this week.

England’s Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah take on Enzo Fernandez’s holders Argentina in a blockbuster second semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday (July 15). James came off the bench in a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the Round of 16 at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Fernandez scored the winner as the Albiceleste netted thrice in the final 11 minutes to see off Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, having needed extra time to see off competition debutants Cabo Verde by the same scoreline in extra time. The Chelsea man’s stoppage-time strike was the 3000th goal in FIFA World Cup history.

The other Chelsea player still at the tournament is Malo Gusto, whose France team take on European champions Spain in a mouthwatering last-four clash on Tuesday (July 14) at Dallas Stadium, Arlington.