West Ham explore Edson Alvarez sale already as offer made at London Stadium
Edson Alvarez could leave West Ham United as soon as January with a surprise AC Milan swap deal offered, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Mirror reported in their print edition (8 October, page 57) that the Irons have been offered Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek in exchange for Alvarez, who has started the new season poorly.
The Hammers are said to be exploring options of a possible January departure for the Mexican international, and with Milan declaring their interest, Loftus-Cheek could be used as a makeweight.
Do West Ham United need Ruben Loftus-Cheek transfer?
Amid a huge overhaul of the playing squad at the London Stadium this summer, midfield was one of the areas which came under the microscope as the Hammers shelled out over £130million on new players.
Joining Alvarez in the central midfield ranks was Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler with James Ward-Prowse heading out, the latter duo both being on season-long loan deals.
However, with Rodriguez and veteran Tomas Soucek starting against Ipswich Town on 5 October – which happened to be the Irons’ only convincing victory so far this season – Alvarez finds himself on the outer.
Heading to Milan may be beneficial for Alvarez to get back to his potentially world-class best, but questions would remain over the depth deep in midfield if he does move on.
Loftus-Cheek would provide plenty of dynamic, attacking support for Julen Lopetegui, but exchanging him for Alvarez would leave Soucek and Rodriguez as the Irons’ only out-and-out defensive midfielders.
A slow start to the season can happen to any player – indeed, it’s happened to Lopetegui too – and if Alvarez has rediscovered his form by January, the Hammers would be wise to keep him in the fold.
In other West Ham news, Jamie O’Hara has given his verdict on a shock contender to replace Lopetegui in the Hammers’ dugout.
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