West Ham United have reignited their interest in Edson Alvarez as they seek the £35-40 million-rated midfield powerhouse this summer.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, West Ham United have expressed an interest in signing Edson Alvarez. The London outfit are in touch with Ajax, who could seek £35-40 million for the Mexican midfielder as David Moyes looks to bolster his squad.
The impending sale of Declan Rice is all but confirmed, and West Ham would then receive their first instalment of the £100 million guaranteed in fixed fees. While they plan on spending a large portion of it on new arrivals, the Hammers are nowhere close to bringing in fresh faces.
With the Rice-shaped hole visible in their midfield, David Moyes will prioritise players in that area of his squad. They are already in talks with Juventus for Denis Zakaria, but the Swiss star alone won’t be enough to strengthen the squad.
As expected, West Ham are looking at possibly two midfielders to come in during this transfer period. They have now reignited their previous interest in Edson Alvarez. The £35-40 million-rated midfield powerhouse is open to leaving Ajax, although whether he prefers to join the Hammers remains the question.
🚨 West Ham have contacted Ajax to express interest in signing Edson Alvarez. No bid yet – expected to follow. #Ajax want ~£35-40m. #WHUFC targeting 25yo Mexico international to bolster side in wake of Declan Rice’s impending move to Arsenal @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/7p9vlESaVq
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 14, 2023
West Ham targeted the Mexican star earlier in the window. He was inching closer to signing for Borussia Dortmund back then, but that move to Germany fell through. With the midfielder keen on leaving, Ajax could ask for a £35-40 million fee in exchange, but the Hammers have yet to bid.
An offer could follow if they get the green light from Ajax over their intention to sell. Alvarez came close to joining Chelsea last summer, but the Dutch side blocked a move as it was too late in the window to find a replacement.
He featured 44 times in all competitions, predominantly in a defensive midfield role. Alvarez can also play in defence, something he has done a lot in his career. The 25-year-old might ponder his options, but West Ham can offer him Europa League football next season.
Whether that would prove enough remains the question, but he could ponder over starting life in London. There’s a visible shortage of interest in the 25-year-old midfield powerhouse compared to last summer, but he could wait for more proposals.
For now, the Hammers are the only party in town to express an interest, but they must put in a reasonable first bid to get going with the negotiations. Alvarez could become a solid signing for Moyes, who may try new ways to bring the best out of his midfield options next season.
