How Chelsea target Pep Chavarria performed against Crystal Palace in Conference League final

Add as preferred source on Google

Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria could be the next full-back on his way to Chelsea this summer.

Chelsea are already set to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta, with the Italian able to play on the left and the right.

Once that transfer is finalised, Chelsea could bring in Chavarria, who is an experienced left-back and potential replacement for Marc Cucurella.

Pep Chavarria put in good performance in Rayo Vallecano’s defeat to Crystal Palace

Chavarria will know what to expect in the Premier League next season if he joins Chelsea after facing Crystal Palace in the Conference League final.

Rayo lost 1-0 to Palace, but Chavarria had a good game and was certainly one of his team’s better players. The 28-year-old was very busy in defence and attack on the night.

According to Sofascore, Chavarria made five clearances, more than any other Rayo player bar Pathe Ciss and Florian Lejeune, and won two out of two tackles.

Going forward, the Spaniard also created one big chance, registered one key pass and completed one cross.

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

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

There is an expectation that Jorrel Hato will be Chelsea’s starting left-back during the 2026/27 campaign, while Palestra can also play on the left side of defence. But if the Club World Cup holders want to bring in another left-back option, Chavarria does not look like a bad candidate.

Interest in Chavarria and Granit Xhaka really shows that Chelsea’s transfer strategy has shifted.

Chavarria is 28 years of age, while Xhaka turns 34 in September. In the past, Chelsea’s sporting directors would never have considered either player.

However, there has been an acceptance that this Chelsea squad could do with more experience, which Chavarria and Xhaka would undoubtedly add.

The Blues are having trouble landing the latter, though. It has been reported that Chelsea have already had a bid for Xhaka rejected, with Sunderland informing their Premier League rivals that he is not for sale.