Chelsea sign defender Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano on five-year contract

Chelsea have signed Spanish left back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano on a ​deal until 2031, the Premier League club ‌said on Wednesday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but British media reported that Chelsea had ​paid an initial £16.3 million ($22.02 million) with ​a further £1.7 million in add-ons for the ⁠28-year-old.

"This is a dream for me as ​Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in ​the world. It is a big opportunity, but I am prepared and will work hard to help the ​team achieve success," Chavarria said in a ​statement.

Chavarria played for Figueres, Olot and Zaragoza in the ‌lower tiers of Spanish football before joining Rayo Vallecano in 2022.

He made 125 appearances in all competitions and played a key role in ​their run ​to the ⁠UEFA Conference League final last season.

The defender's signing boosts new Chelsea ​manager Xabi Alonso's options at left ​back ⁠following the departure of Spaniard Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

Chelsea, who finished 10th last season, ⁠begin ​their new Premier League campaign ​at London rivals Fulham on August 24.