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Chelsea submit second bid to sign “physically strong” La Liga defender

Chelsea are continuing their search for a new left-back after the surprise departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

While Jorrel Hato is capable of operating on the left side, Xabi Alonso is expected to favour a back-three system at Stamford Bridge, meaning the Dutchman could be used more centrally rather than as an attacking wing-back.

That has increased the need for a more offensive-minded option in the position, and Chelsea appear to have identified their preferred target.

Chelsea Submit Second Bid for Pep Chavarría

According to reports, Chelsea have submitted a second offer for Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarría as they look to secure a deal this summer.

The Blues have already agreed personal terms with the defender, with Fabrizio Romano previously reporting that Chelsea were preparing an improved proposal after their opening bid was rejected.

Chelsea insider Simon Phillips has since revealed that the club have returned with another offer, believed to be worth around £15 million. However, that figure remains below Rayo Vallecano’s reported £21 million valuation of their defender.

Chavarría, who has been described as “physically strong” by Transfermarkt’s top content manager in Spain, Iván Fuente, has impressed in La Liga with his energy and defensive reliability.

However, Fuente also offered a more cautious assessment of the player, saying: “He’s a good fullback, but I’m not sure his level is high enough for a team with Chelsea’s aspirations.”

Chelsea are hoping their latest proposal can help bridge the gap between the two clubs, with Alonso eager to add more balance and attacking threat from the left flank ahead of the new campaign.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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