Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria could replace Marc Cucurella at Chelsea following his compatriot’s move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Chavarria from Rayo, with the club having a shake-up in the full-back positions.
The Blues have just confirmed the arrival of Marco Palestra from Atalanta, while there is speculation that Malo Gusto could join Manchester City during this transfer window.
As for Chavarria, only time will tell if he can become a solid Premier League defender like Cucurella. However, one thing that is certain is that the 28-year-old will bring a positive atmosphere to the Chelsea dressing room.
Do you want to see Pep Chavarria, Marco Palestra or Jorrel Hato at left-back next season?
Chavarria didn't do a bad job in the Conference League final against Crystal Palace
Pep Chavarria a popular dressing room figure just like Marc Cucurella
At Chelsea, Cucurella was known for being a bit of a joker and a member of the squad that everyone loved.
According to Chavarria’s former coach at Real Zaragoza, Jose Ramon Rodriguez, the Rayo man is also a player who is adored in his club’s dressing room.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “He is a very good team-mate who creates a very good atmosphere and every team-mate wants to have him in the dressing room.”
Losing Cucurella’s personality and experience is a big blow for Chelsea, but Chavarria looks capable of replacing that. In that regard, Chavarria could be an exact replica.
Again, what will really matter is how good Chavarria’s defending is. One-v-one, few in the Premier League were better than Cucurella.
Fortunately for Chavarria, he may end up getting more support on the left flank than Cucurella. Xabi Alonso could utilise a back five at Stamford Bridge next season, meaning that the left centre-back may be able to shuffle over and closer to Chavarria to help him out.
- READ MORE: How Pep Chavarria performed vs Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid last season ahead of Chelsea move
Who would you start in a five-man defence for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s new signing Palestra is a wing-back, indicating that Alonso may very well decide to use a 3-4-2-1 formation in the 2026/27 campaign.
Many Chelsea fans were sad to see Cucurella go because of what he brings on and off the pitch. Hopefully Chavarria can imitate him if he does join the Club World Cup holders.
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