Chelsea CONFIRM Pep Chavarria transfer as they sign Marc Cucurella replacement from Rayo Vallecano

CHELSEA have completed an £18million deal to sign Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria. The 28-year-old arrives from Raya Vallecano as a replacement for compatriot Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid for over £50m in June. Pep Chavarria has joined Chelsea in an £18million deal from Raya Vallecano Credit: Getty The Spanish left-back was a top target for Marcos Alonso this summer Credit: Getty New Blues manager Xabi Alonso identified Chavarria as a key target early in his reign. And Chelsea have finally got their man for a bargain fee, having initially been told to meet his £40m release clause last month. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! They will pay £16.2m up front, with the rest of the £18m made up in add-ons. Chavarria, who was playing second-tier football just four years ago, has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge. The left-sider is capable of playing in a back four, or as a flying wing-back in a five-man defence. And Chelsea’s new signing claims he’s achieved a lifelong “dream” by signing for one of the “biggest clubs in the world” — under “one of the best coaches” in Alonso. Chavarria, whose squad number is yet to be confirmed, said: “This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. “It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “There are a lot of people who have helped me get to this moment and I have to thank my family. “They have always supported me and today is only possible because of them. “I’m here thanks to Xabi. For me, he’s one of the best coaches right now.” Chavarria becomes the latest ace to sign for Alonso’s Blues, with Chelsea having already splashed out a club-record £117million on Morgan Rogers. The likes of Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda and Valentin Barco are among the exciting young signings brought in. But Chelsea have also opted for some extra experience, with Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix signed against the grain of the past four summers. Comment now