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Chelsea are set to finalise an agreement with Rayo Vallecano over the signing of Pep Chavarria following lengthy negotiations, according to The Athletic. The Spanish defender has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea. They are prepared to schedule a medical for the 28-year-old once the final details are settled. They have been looking to replace Marc Cucurella since he joined Real Madrid in a £51.7 million deal earlier this summer. Jorrel Hato is their only recognised senior left-back, although academy prospect Landon Emenalo has featured in the position during pre-season. Chelsea identified Chavarria as their preferred target early in the transfer window. The Blues believe his experience and consistency would strengthen the squad immediately. While other candidates were considered during negotiations, the Spanish defender remained the club’s first choice throughout the process. One of the biggest challenges was agreeing on a transfer fee. Chelsea and Vallecano initially placed different values on the player, resulting in negotiations that lasted several weeks. However, both clubs have now moved closer to a compromise, and the transfer is expected to progress. Chavarria is poised to join the club and will bring plenty of valuable experience after spending his entire professional career in Spanish football. Since joining Vallecano from Real Zaragoza in 2022, he has made 125 appearances and established himself as one of the best left-backs in the league. He also played every minute of Vallecano’s impressive run to last season’s Europa Conference League final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Chavarria’s contract with Vallecano runs until 2030 and includes a €50m (£42.8m) release clause, but Chelsea have worked towards a separate agreement rather than triggering that amount. The Blues believe Chavarria can offer much more than quality on the pitch. His experience is expected to benefit Chelsea’s younger defenders, particularly Hato and Emenalo.