West Ham United hold Edson Alvarez talks as £40m Premier League verdict emerges at London Stadium
West Ham United have held “initial talks” with Ajax star Edson Alvarez over a potential summer transfer, according to The Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor.
The 25-year-old has been in demand during the early part of the summer window, with Borussia Dortmund leading the race.
However, Taylor has suggested (via GIVEMESPORT, 24 June) that big-spending Premier League clubs could still land the Mexican.
“I do know, from what I understand, initial talks have been held with Alvarez, but Borussia Dortmund, are in a more advanced position to sign him,” he said.
“The issue is Ajax know, they can get more money from the Premier League, as we’ve seen in the past few years, clubs that are finishing in the bottom half of the table can afford to spend £40million on one player.
“Ajax actually rejected a £43 million bid from Chelsea on deadline day last summer, so that’s the kind of valuation they’re going to be looking for.”
Dream on
Alvarez would be a top-level replacement for Declan Rice.
The 25-year-old is a versatile operator who can play in multiple positions. This versatility could give David Moyes more flexibility in terms of formations.
Furthermore, Alvarez is still relatively young. He would be able to develop if he did move to the London Stadium. However, with a number of European clubs watching on, it does feel like a fanciful move at present.
For Moyes and the West Ham board, it’s all about landing an adequate replacement for Rice. The 24-year-old has been an outstanding performer for a number of years and is deserving of his move to either Manchester City or Arsenal.
David Sullivan’s wishes are coming true when it comes to the England international. It appears a bidding war is now on the cards and that’s exactly what the Hammers were after.
The 24-year-old seems to have his heart set on Arsenal, but it’s hard to write off the Premier League champions when it comes to the transfer market.