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. ($1 = 0.7404 pounds)