BBC Reporter Confirms Alonso Has Been Dealt Major Transfer Blow As Chelsea Fail With 2nd Bid For Key Target
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Chelsea have fallen well “short” of Pep Chavarria’s valuation with their second offer for the left-back, according to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
It was reported in the Spanish press earlier this week that the Blues had tabled a €25m (£21.2m) bid for the 28-year-old.
However, Kinsella has confirmed previous claims that Rayo Vallecano will stand firm on their initial demand that they want the player’s release clause.
That figure is DOUBLE what Chelsea have offered so far – €50m (£42.4m).
Why do Rayo want so much for Chavarria?
The Spanish club have cited several reasons for their stance. Firstly, the defender still has four years left on his contract. Secondly, they are in a strong financial position, so they don’t need to sell, and thirdly, they believe the left-back’s performances are comparable to Marc Cucurella, who was sold for a similar fee to Real Madrid.
While first two of these explanations are reasonable, the third is a stretch as Chavarria has played most of his career outside of Spain’s top tier, in stark contrast to Cucurella, who is also Spain’s starting left-back.
Of course, there could be other factors in play here. Rayo Vallecano president Martin Presa was said to have been angered by Chelsea’s approach to negotiations, and there are suggestions he has even threatened to report the Blues to FIFA.
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Could Chelsea pursue an alternative?
Alonso is also reportedly a big fan of Real Madrid’s Alvaro Carreras, whom he worked with for six months at the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old will now become Cucurella’s understudy, and there is a good chance that he will be sold if the Blues match his valuation.
It has been reported that Carreras could be on the market for €50m (£43m) – the exact same figure that Rayo Vallecano are demanding for Chavarria. Considering he is five years younger, he may well be the better choice.
