West Ham United have contacted Amsterdam giants Ajax over a deal for midfielder Edson Alvarez, according to The Athletic.
The Hammers are in the market for a Declan Rice replacement and have settled on Alvarez. Rice is leaving for Arsenal in a deal worth over £105 million.
Alvarez was close to joining Borussia Dortmund a few weeks ago but the move broke down, with some people in the BVB boardroom unconvinced.
Dortmund boss Edin Terzic was also not keen on the Mexican international, causing the transfer to break down.
West Ham have now revived their interest in the 25-year-old and want to complete a move for him. They have not made an official bid, but they know Ajax’s demands.
Ajax want around £35-40 million for the midfielder, who was a target for Chelsea last summer.
The Blues were in panic mode in the final days of the 2022 summer transfer window as they did not have a defensive midfielder.
Chelsea submitted a €50m bid for Alvarez, but Ajax rejected the offer. The player was keen on the move to London, but the Dutch club did not let him leave.
The Blues subsequently signed Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day. Interestingly, the Swiss international is another West Ham transfer target this summer.
West Ham will try to negotiate a fee for Alvarez, who has two years left on his deal with Ajax, and simultaneously agree personal terms with him.
Alvarez moved to Europe in 2019 from Club America and has since established himself for Ajax.
The sitting midfielder excels at breaking up opposition play and offers versatility as he can deputise in central defence.
He also has extensive European experience that the Europa Conference League winners will value.
