Xabi Alonso’s first pre-season as Chelsea boss is officially underway. The Spaniard will be hoping to end the trend of failing managers in West London and will be well aware how important recruitment will be if he is to do exactly that.
Already, the Blues have welcomed Marco Palestra from Atalanta and lost Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, sparking early drama. Alas, that is only the start. As ever, BlueCo have still got a number of names in their sights, and that includes Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria.
Football FanCast’s Verdict
Credibility
Chelsea’s current priority should be finding a replacement for Cucurella, and that’s where Chavarria’s name becomes relevant. The Blues have already reportedly agreed personal terms with the left-back and are now hoping to finalise an agreement with Rayo Vallecano this week.
Finances
Vallecano have already rejected Chelsea’s €15m (£13m) offer and pointed towards Chavarria’s hefty €50m (£43m) release clause. Whether those in West London now decide to pay that is the big question. If they’re looking for a rapid deal, then they will have no choice.
Insight
The 28-year-old doesn’t lack experience and is full of plenty of attacking intent. Last season in La Liga, he completed 17 dribbles from fullback – putting him in the top 20 for defenders. Meanwhile, he was also solid defensively – completing 141 recoveries.
Impact
Chavarria’s arrival could end Chelsea’s search for a left-back, but they may also want to welcome a younger option alongside the 28-year-old this summer.
The Rayo Vallecano man is firmly on Chelsea’s radar, as they look to complete their deal and welcome their second signing of the summer.
Chelsea pushing to finalise Chavarria deal
According to Marca in Spain, as relayed by Sport Witness, Chelsea are pushing to finalise a deal for Chavarria this week and have already agreed personal terms with the left-back.
Whilst Rayo Vallecano have consistently pointed towards the 28-year-old’s €50m (£43m) release clause, it remains to be seen whether the Blues can find a middle ground and land a bargain deal.
With personal terms already agreed, those at Stamford Bridge are just one step away from sealing Alonso’s second incoming of the summer.
Chavarria is not a long-term solution for Chelsea
In many ways, Chavarria goes against Chelsea’s usual recruitment model. And whilst many may see that as a good thing given the lack of success with BlueCo’s strategy in recent years, it’s clear that Chavarria would not be a long-term option.
The La Liga star would be making quite the step up from Rayo Vallecano and replacing Cucurella certainly won’t be an easy task. At 28, there’s not much room for further improvement, either.
25/26
Cucurella
Chavarria
Minutes
2,710
2,681
Assists
4
2
Tackles
55
54
Recoveries
113
142
Duel success
52.2%
51.8%
As a short-term solution, however, the numbers suggest that Chavarria can plug a gap for Alonso. The Vallecano star is excellent out of possession and certainly won’t be short on commitment. Signing the left-back alongside a younger option should be the plan for those at Stamford Bridge.
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