Edson Alvarez requests permission to quit West Ham with advanced talks well underway

Edson Alvarez's future at West Ham United finally looks set to be resolved.

The 28-year-old midfielder was always expected to be on the West Ham chopping block this summer.

His loan spell with Fenerbahce last season didn't really go to plan, and he doesn't appear to be in Nuno Espirito Santo's thinking either.

Indeed, the Mexican international was left out of West Ham's squad entirely in the opening day draw at Burnley.

His 75 minutes in the League Cup against Portsmouth earlier this month may have helped put him in the shop window though.

And now, fresh claims are suggesting he's on the brink of sealing his London Stadium exit for good.

Who is in 'advanced' talks over signing Edson Alvarez from West Ham?

Marca reporter Matteo Moretto has claimed via X on Tuesday that Real Sociedad are close to securing Alvarez's signature.

Moretto claims that discussions between the two parties are currently "advanced".

It's claimed that Alvarez is even prepared to take a wage reduction in order to push through a move to the La Liga outfit.

Moretto's post ends by claiming that Alvarez has now asked West Ham to let him leave for the Basque Country-based side.

So, what sort of role could Alvarez expect if he signs for Sociedad, and would it be a wise move for him?

Why Alvarez wouldn't have easy route to Sociedad stardom

At this stage of his career, Alvarez will surely be looking for a place where he can see out his prime years playing regular football.

Real Sociedad, however, may not be the most obvious destination that's ready to provide him with such a role.

Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo has a number of quality options in central midfield at his disposal already, and a starting spot would be tough to attain.

Jon Gorrotxategi (23) and Benat Turrientes (24) have proven themselves to be good players at La Liga level.

Meanwhile, Yangel Herrera (28) is an experienced campaigner like Alvarez, and hasn't played outside of La Liga since 2018.

Ex-West Ham midfielder Carlos Soler is now at Sociedad too, and enjoyed a strong debut season there last term playing 40 times in all competitions.

Throw into the mix versatile young talents like Pablo Marin and Luka Sucic, and the competition for minutes Alvarez will be facing is clear.

So, whilst he evidently wants out of West Ham this summer, the grass might not be much greener in the Basque Country for him.