Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez is reportedly a target for Crystal Palace, who remain hopeful of signing the Mexican in the summer.
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace are seeking the chance to sign Edson Alvarez from Ajax in the summer to replace some of their ageing stars. The Eagles are keen on securing the services of the 24-year-old Mexican international, who is having a terrific season in Amsterdam.
Crystal Palace may have been progressing rapidly under Patrick Vieira this term, but there is plenty of work yet to be done at the club. While the Eagles have recruited smartly over the last two windows, they might have to bring in new stars in the summer.
Vieira is keen to bring players capable of being assets in the long run instead of vastly experienced stars with little future value. Since the Frenchman’s arrival, Crystal Palace may have a relatively young squad courtesy of their good work, who oversaw a smart recruitment policy.
But the Eagles still have players they could let go in the summer and bring in viable replacements in their positions. One of the areas is the defensive midfield zone, which is considered key by Vieira. The incumbent players have mostly been inconsistent, with none of their current stars barring Cheikhou Kouyate performing well.
Luka Milivojevic, Will Hughes and Kouyate have played in the position, and Vieira will be looking to bring competition for Kouyate. Out of the rest, at least one of the players could leave the London outfit in the summer transfer window, and Palace already has a replacement in mind.
They want to sign Ajax star Edson Alvarez, who has been linked with Chelsea before. This season, the 24-year-old Mexican international has been in sensational form, even contributing with two goals from a deeper role. He may want to take the next step in his career, and the Premier League could be the best possible destination.
The Ajax defence have conceded only five goals all season in their domestic league, and the Mexican has had a big part to play in the stellar showing. His qualities could be put to the test under Vieira, who will be hoping the club could make a move for the player quickly.
While there are no other suitors so far, Palace may want to accelerate the process and make an offer earlier than expected. Their closest competition would likely come from Chelsea, who are also keen on signing Declan Rice from West Ham United, with the England international becoming their highest priority.
As for Alvarez, he could be available for £20 million, which will certainly fall under Palace’s budget. Vieira will reportedly have funds available for transfers, and the best part is expected to be spent on bringing in a new defensive midfielder, with Alvarez their preferred target.
