Elizabeth Conway
BBC Sport Spanish football reporter

At Vallecas, Pep Chavarria developed into a dependable top-flight full-back, combining defensive aggression with the physicality required to succeed in the role.

He made 125 appearances for Rayo and became a regular presence on the left side of defence.

Joining Rayo also gave him the chance to play in front of world-class managers such as Xabi Alonso, who he faced last season when Alonso was in charge of Real Madrid.

In the goalless draw with Real Madrid at Vallecas in November, Chavarria produced an excellent defensive performance - showing the aggression and discipline required to deal with elite attacking players.

His performance left an impression on Alonso and Chavarria became a key target for the Spanish coach after he was appointed Chelsea manager.

He also started for Rayo in last season's Conference League final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea

Speaking about his ambitions at Chelsea, Chavarria said: "Always, Chelsea need to win all trophies. It's the best club in London, we need to work hard and I think with these players, it is possible."

On moving away from Spain for the first time in his life, he added: "I played in Spain all my life, and for me the Premier League is the best league in the world right now.

"A lot of quality, intensity and I think that is the best league for me."

Image source, Getty Images

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Getting the deal over the line has not been easy for Chelsea, who were initially told by Rayo Vallecano that they would not sell Chavarria unless his release clause, now worth £42.4m, was met.

Talks were described as "complicated" by multiple BBC Sport sources after Rayo made it clear they wanted the release clause paid in full.

They believed the price was justified, with sources at the club arguing that Chavarria's underlying statistics show he plays at a similar level to Cucurella.

He scored once last season and made three assists in all competitions, creating 27 chances from open play in La Liga.

Furthermore, Chavarria had four years remaining on his contract and Rayo's successful player-trading model has left the club in a strong financial position, allowing them to resist offers in a similar way to Spain's traditional big three of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

That profitability also means Rayo would be liable for a 25% tax charge on any additional profit generated from a sale, reducing the net value of any fee received.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea

It’s another signing through the door for the Blues, and their new left‑back could feature for the first time in a friendly against Real Sociedad on Saturday.

He could make his Premier League debut at Fulham, his competitive home debut against Luton in the Carabao Cup, and finish the month with a clash against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's August fixtures:

• 15 August, Real Sociedad (14:00 BST)
• 24 August, Fulham (20:00 BST)
• 27 August, Luton Town (19:30 BST)
• 30 August, Brighton & Hove Albion (14:00 BST)

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have had an incredibly busy window under new boss Xabi Alonso.

At the start of August, 36-year-old Jordon Henderson joined the Blues on a two-year contract.

In July, Chelsea agreed a club-record £117m deal to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, 35-year-old England striker Danny Welbeck joined in a reported £5m move from Brighton, with Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco arriving the following day.

Defender Maxence Lacroix joined for £52m from Crystal Palace, 21-year-old right-back Marco Palestra moved from Atalanta for £42m and right winger Geovany Quenda signed for £40m from Sporting.

The other new additions are 23-year-old striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, left-back Denner, 18, from Corinthians and 17-year-old striker Dastan Satpaev from Kairat Almaty.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea

After signing a five-year deal with the Blues, Chavarria told club media: "I’m so excited to get started.

"This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. This is one of the best days of my life," added the 28-year-old.

"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."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

The Blues have paid a £16.3m fee for Chavarria, plus £1.7m in add-ons.

He's their 11th incoming of the summer.

Chelsea have signed Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria.

The 28-year-old joins from Rayo Vallecano on a contract which runs until 2031.

Image source, Getty Images

Woof, that didn't take long.

Fourteen minutes into today's transfer live and we've already got our first DONE DEAL KLAXON.

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First thing's first, we want to hear what you make of the moves so far, and what you’re hoping for before the window shuts on 1 September.

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Hello and welcome to today's transfer live.

We're going to bring you every major deal as it comes through, and take a look at some of the rumours flying around the biggest players as we go.

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