Chelsea struggles to finalize Pep Chavarria transfer from Rayo Vallecano

Chelsea seeks to acquire defender Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano but faces challenges in negotiations. Rayo has set his release clause at £42.4 million, rejecting Chelsea’s initial £15 million offer and a subsequent £21.2 million proposal. Talks are reportedly complicated as Rayo insists on the full clause payment. Chavarria, 28, has four years left on his contract, with Rayo's financial stability allowing them to resist lower bids. Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso is keen to secure Chavarria for his tactical flexibility, similar to the system he implemented at Bayer Leverkusen.

• 11:33 AMYahoo Sports — Why Chelsea's Chavarria talks have been difficult