Chelsea have opened talks to sign Marc Cucurella's replacement.
The Blues bid farewell to Cucurella after the Spaniard recently agreed to join Real Madrid in a deal worth £52 million.
Cucurella's departure has left a hole at left-back, and although Jorrel Hato is primed to take on an even bigger role under Xabi Alonso, at least one more addition is needed.
And after some time scouting the market for a replacement, Chelsea have identified the player they want.
Chelsea open talks with Rayo Vallecano to sign Pep Chavarria
Rayo Vallecano's Pep Chavarria has emerged as Chelsea's ideal target, and according to Fabrizio Romano, talks over a deal have already begun.
"Chelsea are in talks with Rayo Vallecano," he said on his YouTube channel.
"There is a conversation going with the agents of the player, with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarria."
Having only extended his contract last year, the 28-year-old is tied to Rayo Vallecano until 2030, which means Chelsea will be expected to pay a reasonable fee.
Although he has never played for his country, the Spanish full-back is hugely experienced having played over 100 times in La Liga for both Rayo Vallecano and former club Real Zaragoza.
Romano added: "He's a Spanish player, a player known by Xabi Alonso and by people close to Xabi Alonso. Chelsea people have also been scouting him, so they [Alonso and Chelsea] are together.
"Xabi and Chelsea work together this summer. He's involved in the process to decide about the players and all the rest. There have been some contacts to find out about the price and more."
How Chavarria feels about joining Chelsea
According to Romano, following initial conversations over his potential signing, Chavarria is keen to move to Stamford Bridge and would jump at the chance to work under Xabi Alonso.
Playing in the Premier League would be a massive step up for Rayo Vallecano's number three and there will naturally be concerns over his ability to adapt.
However, if any coach is able to get the best out if players, it's Alonso.
The 44-year-old has a proven track record of making good players, great, and great players, superstars.
During his time at Vallecas Stadium, Chavarria has scored two goals and registered eight assists in 125 matches in all competitions.
He was part of the Rayo Vallecano squad who reached last season's UEFA Conference League final before losing out to Crystal Palace.
Add us as a preferred source on Google