Xabi Alonso’s first pre-season as Chelsea manager is officially underway. The Spaniard will be hoping to end the trend of failed managers in West London and will know exactly how important recruiting is if he is to do so.
Already, the Blues have welcomed Marco Palestra from Atalanta and lost Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, sparking the first drama. Alas, that is just the beginning. As ever, BlueCo still have a number of names on their radar, and that includes Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Chelsea’s priority right now should be finding a replacement for Cucurella, which is where Chavarria’s name comes into play. The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with the left-back and now hope to complete a deal with Rayo Vallecano this week. |
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Finance |
Vallecano has already rejected Chelsea’s €15m (£13m) offer and pointed to Chavarria’s €50m (£43m) release clause. Whether those in West London now decide to pay that is the big question. If they want a quick deal, they won’t have a choice. |
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Understanding |
The 28-year-old is inexperienced and full of attacking intent. Last season playing in La Liga, he completed 17 dribbles for defenders – which put him in the top 20 for defenders. During that time, he was also strong defensively – finishing with 141 fumble recoveries. |
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Impact |
Chavarria’s arrival could end Chelsea’s pursuit of a left-back, but they would also be willing to accept a smaller option alongside the 28-year-old this summer. |
The Rayo Vallecano man is firmly on Chelsea’s radar, as they look to end his contract and secure their second signing of the summer.
Chelsea are pushing to complete the Chavarria deal
According to Spanish outlet Marca, as reported by Sport Witness, Chelsea are aiming to complete a deal for Chavarria this week and have already agreed personal terms with the left-back.
Although Rayo Vallecano have consistently targeted the 28-year-old’s €43 million release clause, it remains to be seen whether the Blues can find a middle ground and strike a big-money deal.
With personal terms already agreed, those at Stamford Bridge are just one step away from sealing Alonso’s second summer signing.
Chavarria is not a long-term solution for Chelsea
In many ways, Chavarria defies Chelsea’s traditional recruitment model. And while 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 won’t be a long-term option.
The La Liga star will be stepping up from Rayo Vallecano and replacing Cucurella will certainly not be an easy task. At 28, there isn’t much room for further development, either.
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25/26 |
Cucurella |
Chavarria |
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Minutes |
2,710 |
2,681 |
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It helps |
4 |
2 |
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Fighting |
55 |
54 |
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Recovery |
113 |
142 |
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Duel success |
52.2% |
51.8% |
As a temporary solution, however, the numbers suggest that Chavarria can close the gap to Alonso. The Vallecano star has excelled in discipline and will not be short on commitment. Signing a left-back alongside a smaller option should be the plan for those at Stamford Bridge.
