Chelsea Close-in-on £16.3m Deal For Rayo Vallecano Defender, Chavarría

Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría in a deal worth an initial £16.3 million plus performance-related add-ons, with the player having already agreed personal terms.
The 28-year-old defender has emerged as a key target for new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is keen to strengthen his squad with players suited to his preferred wing-back system.
Negotiations between the two clubs gathered pace after Chelsea’s opening £15 million offer was rejected in June. Rayo Vallecano initially insisted on Chavarría’s £42.8 million release clause, but both parties have since moved closer to an agreement.
Chavarría is expected to join fellow summer...