West Ham United are keen on £45 million-rated midfielder Edson Alvarez as they seek a viable replacement for Declan Rice.
According to The Guardian, West Ham United are keen to bring Edson Alvarez as a replacement for Declan Rice. The latter is close to leaving the club, possibly for Arsenal, as the Hammers plan to use the money from the midfielder’s sale to strengthen their squad.
Declan Rice is close to leaving West Ham United on a high after clinching the UEFA Europa Conference League title. Speculation around the midfielder has been rife since the turn of the year, with the England international seeking a step up in his career.
With that win over Fiorentina in midweek, West Ham secured a spot in next season’s Europa League. However, that may not prove sufficient to convince Rice to stay, as he wants to play in the Champions League. Arsenal are ready to submit a big offer to land the midfielder, who remains keen to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Hammers will receive a massive windfall from the sale, and they have already started looking for a Rice replacement. Reports suggest the Hammers seek at least two midfielders in the window and are already leading the chase for James Ward-Prowse from relegated Southampton.
Meanwhile, they are also planning other additions to the attack, with Harvey Barnes on their sights from Leicester City. Now, they have identified Edson Alvarez as the ideal Rice replacement, with the £45 million-rated midfielder likely to move on from Ajax.
Ajax are reportedly demanding a £40 million fee plus £5 million in add-ons. West Ham can offer him Europa League football, while the Mexican is keen to play in the Champions League. Ajax have also not qualified for the top-tier competition, but Borussia Dortmund have.
Dortmund are currently leading the race, having re-opened talks a week ago with Ajax. They also are flush with cash after selling Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in a huge deal. West Ham have the pull to bring the £45 million-rated midfielder to the Premier League, with the midfielder likely to decide soon.
Alvarez could become a solid signing for the Hammers if they convince the midfielder. They will also look to reduce the fee through negotiations with Ajax, as the price tag may come across as steep in the current market.
Fingers crossed…