Chelsea are set to rekindle their efforts to land Ajax Amsterdam star Edson Alvarez in the January transfer window.
According to Ben Jacobs on Twitter, Premier League giants Chelsea are keen to reignite their efforts to land Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Edon Alvarez in the 2023 January transfer window.
The 24-year-old was a summer transfer target for the Blues and was subjected to a €50 million bid that proved unsuccessful. The player, for his part, tried to force through the move to Stamford Bridge, but Ajax held onto their Mexican star and ensured he did not join the list of talents who bid the club goodbye in the summer.
A defensive midfielder who is solid at winning the ball back and is also dominant in the air, Alvarez would add some much-needed muscle to the Chelsea midfield. Just 24, he is still entering his peak years and can be a long-term asset for Todd Boehly’s side.
Chelsea currently have N’Golo Kante and Jorginho in their ranks alongside Mateo Kovacic. While the former two are accomplished players, they are not getting any younger and have started to show signs of their age. Both players are also in the final years of their contracts and could leave for nothing next summer. Negotiations so far regarding extensions have gotten nowhere, leaving the Blues in a potential pickle.
The midfield roster at Chelsea needs a revamp, and Alvarez certainly represents an intriguing option. Graham Potter could raid his former side, Brighton for Moises Caicedo, but he will face competition from Liverpool and Manchester United. Alvarez, in comparison, can be considered a considerably easier player to attain.
As things stand, the Blues have earmarked the Mexican international as their priority addition in midfield. Given that their pursuit last summer came under former boss Thomas Tuchel, it will be interesting to see if the club will continue to sail on the same course.
The midfield remains a weakness for Chelsea and has been found wanting in what has been a mixed start to the 2022-23 campaign. The January window certainly allows them to rectify it. Alvarez, on paper, has just the traits that the Blues are looking for.
Mexico have been drawn alongside Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia in Group C of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Alvarez is a dead certainty to make the squad, and it will be interesting to see if Ajax increase their asking price should he impress at the showpiece event. Given that his current deal runs until 2024, Ajax certainly have enough leg space to hold firm.