Chelsea have identified Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria as their top target to replace Marc Cucurella this summer, according to Marca.
The 28-year-old has quietly established himself as one of the most effective fullbacks in Spanish football over recent seasons.
Chavarria joined Vallecano from Real Zaragoza in 2022 and has since gone on to feature in 125 games for the Madrid club.
Across those appearances, the Spaniard has contributed ten goal contributions while operating in several different positions on the left flank.
He was a key figure in Vallecano’s 2025-26 campaign, starting 33 of their 38 LaLiga matches as the club finished eighth in the table.
Chavarria was also instrumental in Vallecano’s remarkable run to the UEFA Conference League final, where they ultimately lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
His defensive output was equally impressive, with his 189 duels won as of December 2025 ranking third across Europe’s top five leagues, behind only Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Nico Williams.
Chelsea have now made direct contact with the player’s camp to discuss a possible transfer to Stamford Bridge, with a formal offer also being considered, per Marca.
The Blues currently have Jorrel Hato and newly signed Marco Palestra as left-back options, but manager Xabi Alonso is understood to want a specialist in that position.
Hato is considered a natural left centre-back, while Palestra has predominantly been used on the right side, making Chavarria’s versatility on the left particularly attractive.
Despite netting just one goal last season, a long-range strike from 25 yards out against Atletico Madrid, Chavarria remained a constant attacking threat, registering 18 shots across the campaign.
At 28, he would bring valuable experience to Chelsea’s relatively young squad, fitting a profile the club is increasingly targeting following their reported interest in Granit Xhaka.
Financially, the deal also appears straightforward, with Vallecano not expected to demand a fee significantly above Chavarria’s £8 million Transfermarkt valuation.
Chelsea are continuing to closely monitor developments and look poised to move decisively in the coming days to secure the signature of their top defensive target.