Chelsea have completed the signing of left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano for a reported £16.3m (€19m), with the Spain defender agreeing a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old is expected to replace Marc Cucurella in the Chelsea squad after Cucurella joined Real Madrid earlier in the transfer window.
Chavarria spent four seasons with Rayo Vallecano, making 125 appearances for the club. His final outing came in last season’s Conference League final, when Rayo were beaten by Crystal Palace.
The new Chelsea signing said he was eager to begin the next stage of his career and described the move as a significant opportunity.
“I’m so excited to get started,” Chavarria told the Chelsea website.
“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.
“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.”
Chavarria established himself as one of Rayo Vallecano’s most productive defenders during his time at the club. Since making his debut for Vallecano, he supplied eight assists – more than any other defender in the team.
He also ranked second among the club’s defenders for chances created, with 99, and third for interceptions, recording 83. His defensive contribution was reflected in further rankings, with Chavarria fourth for duels won, on 388, and fourth for tackles won, with 109.
Chelsea believe he can now play an important role in their squad, with the move adding competition and experience at left-back.
Chavarria could make his first appearance for Chelsea in their final pre-season fixture against Real Sociedad on Saturday. His first Premier League appearance may then come on 24 August, when Chelsea face Fulham.
The Blues are also scheduled to play Luton Town in the EFL Cup before their first home league match, against Brighton.
The transfer marks Chelsea’s latest move to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new campaign, while Chavarria arrives in England after four seasons as a regular contributor for Rayo Vallecano.