Chelsea legend sends message to Pep Chavarria after deal agreed
Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta has reached out to Pep Chavarria on social media after he completed a move to Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso is shaping his Chelsea squad ahead of the new season as a busy end to the window beckons.
Several new faces have arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chavarria believed to be one of the Spaniard's top targets for several months.
The Blues have focused on signing a new left-back after Marc Cucurella made the move to Real Madrid.
Chavarria, 28, has now arrived to bolster Chelsea's options in the position alongside Jorrel Hato, with his arrival announced on Wednesday morning.
Blues hero Azpilicueta has welcomed him to the club after playing a part in their official announcement video.
Pep Chavarria joins Chelsea to well wishes from Cesar Azpilicueta
Chavarria has emerged as somewhat of a late bloomer in terms of being a top player, having only played his first La Liga game at 24-years-old in 2022.
He made the move from Real Zaragoza to Rayo Vallecano that summer and became a key part of their squad in the following seasons.
Chavarria made eight appearances in the Conference League last season as Vallecano reached the final and were ultimately beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace.
He has played against Azpilicueta numerous times over the years, with Chelsea using the recently retired former captain to do the voiceover in his announcement video on Wednesday.
Azpilicueta replied to the post by endorsing his arrival, as he said: "All the best, Pep!" with Spanish flag and blue heart emojis.
Chavarria's stats prove that Alonso could have Chelsea selection headache
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea want to sign Giorgio Scalvini as Alonso continues to focus on adding to his defensive depth.
Dutch centre-back Hato is now believed to be seen as a left-back in his squad, but Chavarria could well be starting over him this season.
The 28-year-old registered more goal contributions in La Liga than Hato did in the Premier League last season, while he created more big chances and completed more crosses per 90 minutes.
He also made more interceptions, clearances and blocks than Hato in their respective leagues, while completing more successful dribbles, ground duels and nearly double the amount of sprints per 90 too.