Pep Chavarria to Chelsea transfer: Rayo Vallecano left-back is a late bloomer but could his mentality help Xabi Alonso?

Pep Chavarria is certainly not your typical Chelsea signing. He did not make his debut in Spain’s top flight until he was 24 years old. His European bow came aged 27 in October in the UEFA Conference League against Swedish side Hacken. He was sent off.

But perhaps the Rayo Vallecano left-back's rise is part of the appeal. Now 28, having exceeded expectations again at Rayo, this energetic and wholehearted player can bring a bit of what has been missing at one of the Premier League's true glamour clubs.

Marc Cucurella's departure for Real Madrid presents a vacancy on the left side and Xabi Alonso has come to win trophies not just develop saleable assets. If Chavarria can help him do that in the here and now then that is the priority. It is not all about wonderkids.