West Ham United have identified Edson Alvarez as a potential option to add to their midfield amid reports over Declan Rice’s future.
This has been suggested by the insider Graeme Bailey who has been speaking on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
The Ajax midfielder is believed to be on the radar of Chelsea for the winter window after Todd Boehly told the player the Blues would be back for him.
However, the Blues are also being linked with a summer move for West Ham’s Rice who has spoken recently of his desire to be winning trophies.
And with their star midfielder being linked with a move away from the London Stadium, Bailey claims Ajax’s Mexican midfielder is a player they have already looking into:
“I think Alvarez is one to keep an eye on. West Ham are looking at him because Declan Rice is going to leave for Chelsea in the summer.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
If Rice is to leave in the summer, then the Hammers will certainly be losing a big part of their side given he’s already racked up 216 appearances for West Ham at the age of just 23.
It does appear that the club are preparing for his departure, with the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo among those linked with a potential switch to east London.
Would Alvarez be a good Rice replacement?
Yes
No
However, in potentially adding Alvarez, they would be bringing in a player who averaged more tackles, completed more passes and recorded more touches per 90 minutes this season (via Fbref).
There is no doubt West Ham will have a tough job of replacing Rice if he is to leave, but it would seem that Alvarez could be a player who could potentially provide the Hammers with an adequate alternative.