West Ham agree terms with Ajax star Edson Alvarez as Chelsea miss out on another transfer target
Chelsea could miss out on yet another of their top targets as West Ham have reportedly agreed terms with Ajax star Edson Alvarez. The Blues are on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder and are exploring multiple options after getting priced out of a move for No.1 target Moises Caicedo.
Among these options are Leeds’ Tyler Adams, PSG’s Leandro Paredes and Ajax’s Alavrez who has been on their radar for over a year. Chelsea made a late move for the Mexico international last summer but saw their £43million offer rejected, despite the player going on strike in an attempt to force through a transfer.
Well it now appears he could get his move to Premier League, albeit to a different London club, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Alvarez has agreed person terms with West Ham. The Irons still need to agree a fee with Ajax for the midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back and has two years left on his contract, with negotiations to continue over the weekend.
Why West Ham are targeting Alvarez
This will be welcome news for David Moyes whose side are enduring an awful transfer window, having signed no one so far and lost their best player Declan Rice to Arsenal. West Ham had been looking to sign James Ward-Prowse but pulled out of that deal having refused to meet Southampton’s £40m valuation, with Alavrez now set to be the Rice replacement instead.
They have also been looking at Manchester United duo Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire but the two clubs are someway apart in their valuations for the pair.
Alvarez’s career so far
Alvarez began his career with Club America in Mexico before joining Ajax in 2019. He has made 147 appearances for the Dutch side, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. He has also won two Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups and one Johan Cruyff Shield.
At international level, he has made 33 appearances for Mexico and was part of the squad that won the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was also part of the team that reached the final of the 2021 Copa America.
What this means for Chelsea
The news of West Ham’s agreement with Alvarez is a blow to Chelsea who were hoping to sign the midfielder this summer. With West Ham now in pole position to land him, the Blues will have to look elsewhere for a defensive midfielder.
Chelsea have already missed out on one of their top targets this summer in Moises Caicedo and they will be desperate not to miss out on another. They will now have to turn their attention to other targets such as Leeds’ Tyler Adams or PSG’s Leandro Paredes.
Conclusion
West Ham have reportedly agreed terms with Ajax star Edson Alvarez as they look to replace Declan Rice. The news is a blow to Chelsea who were hoping to sign the midfielder this summer. With West Ham now in pole position to land him, the Blues will have to look elsewhere for a defensive midfielder.
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