West Ham United transfer news as interest firmed up for Edson Alvarez
West Ham United are set to firm up their interest in Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez despite the Mexican’s preference to join Borussia Dortmund, according to ExWHUemployee.
Club captain Declan Rice is expected to leave the club this summer with Arsenal leading the race for his signature, and the Hammers have identified Mexico international Alvarez as a potential replacement in the defensive midfield role.
However, Dortmund have emerged as favourites for his signature this summer, but according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg [14 June] Ajax still have still not received an offer from Dortmund and there are talks about the transfer fee yet.
And such news will give the Hammers plenty of encouragement on a potential, deal with Ex revealing West Ham United are set to hold up further talks.
Speaking on the West Ham Way podcast [14 June], he said: “We face stiff competition from the likes of Dortmund who the player is reported to prefer although this isn’t confirmed.
“West Ham have made their interest in the player known and further talks are expected.”
Worth the push
Although Dortmund may seem the favourites for Alvarez’ signature this summer, West Ham United are well inclined to push even further for the player especially after the latest update from Sky Germany [14 June].
The Mexican international is an exceptional player and certainly seems the ideal replacement for the departing Rice, given his dominant showings for Ajax both at domestic level and on the European stage.
Rice’s departure is set to leave a gaping hole in the West Ham United midfield next season and they’ll desperately need a player capable of being influential both on the ball and off it, and Alvarez perfectly fits the bill.
As per FBRef, over the past year and within Europe’s top-five leagues, he ranks in the 91st percentile for progressive passes, 93rd for progressive carries and ranked fourth in the Eredivisie last season for the number of dribbles tackled (44) showcasing his destructive and influential qualities in midfield.
Certainly, Rice will be missed on the East London shores next season, but Alvarez represents the next phase in the Irons’ plans to replace him and this is a deal West Ham United must pursue, even if he prefers Dortmund.
The Germans aren’t stumping up the cash right now, but the Hammers are in for a healthy windfall which may leave the door open for them to sign the perfect Rice replacement.