Pep Chavarria: Chelsea close in on Xabi Alonso's ninth signing as youngster set for promotion

The 28-year-old left-back is not expected have any issues agreeing personal terms with the Blues, and once that is sorted he will undergo a medical ahead of completing his move to Stamford Bridge.Chavarria made 44 appearances across all competitions for Rayo Vallecano last season, including starting the aforementioned European final as the LaLiga side were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the winner.The Spaniard weighed in with three assists and scored once - against Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 loss.Instead, Chelsea’s plan is to promote Jorrel Hato to a greater level of responsibility, as Chavarria would help provide cover at both left-back and left wing-back.Once signed, Chavarria will become Chelsea’s ninth arrival of the summer after Marco Palestra