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Chelsea eye Rayo's Chavarria as left-back cover after Cucurella sale

·By Paul Vegas
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Chelsea eye Rayo's Chavarria as left-back cover after Cucurella sale

Real Madrid/X.com

Chelsea are monitoring Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría as a potential replacement for Marc Cucurella, who has joined Real Madrid, according to Spanish outlet Marca.

Chavarría, 28, has been at Rayo Vallecano since the summer of 2022 and has made 125 competitive appearances for the Madrid club since then. Last season he contributed one goal and two assists in 33 La Liga matches. His contract with the Spanish club runs until the summer of 2030.

Chelsea have already agreed a deal with Atalanta for Marco Palestra, who predominantly operates as a right-back despite the ability to play on the left. That versatility may not fully address the gap left by Cucurella's departure, prompting the London club to consider a dedicated specialist in the position.

Chavarría's experience in La Liga and his contractual situation at Rayo — with four years still to run — means any deal would require a transfer fee. He represents a more affordable and proven option than some of the higher-profile targets Chelsea have been linked with in recent windows.

No bid has been submitted, with Chelsea still in the exploratory stage of their interest, but the focus on filling the left-back position is clear following Cucurella's exit to Madrid.

The Chelsea left-back situation is one of the more pressing issues for the club's new management to resolve following Cucurella's departure. Palestra is expected to add quality on the right side of defence, but the left-back role needs to be filled by a player whose primary position is on that flank.

Chavarría's consistency at Rayo Vallecano across four years and his La Liga experience make him a credible candidate for a club that wants proven top-flight performers who can contribute immediately. At 28, he is in the prime years of his career and brings a profile Chelsea have targeted in recent windows.