Given that West Ham are soon to lose their captain Declan Rice to Arsenal, the board have been working hard to plan for their new life without him. And, in fairness, the board has done an exceptional job. They are close to signing a player who is close to the calibre of Rice, for less than half his transfer valuation.
West Ham in contact to sign Declan Rice’s replacement
According to reputable source David Ornstein of The Athletic, West Ham United are in contact to sign Edson Alvarez of AFC Ajax. It’s reported that Ajax want somewhere between £35m-£40m for his services.
🚨 West Ham have contacted Ajax to express interest in signing Edson Alvarez. No bid yet - expected to follow. #Ajax want ~£35-40m. #WHUFC targeting 25yo Mexico international to bolster side in wake of Declan Rice’s impending move to Arsenal @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/7p9vlESaVq
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 14, 2023
To me, this is an absolute no-brainer. And I don’t just say that as an Arsenal fan who is happy to see West Ham looking at replacements.
The 25-year-old Mexico international is one of Ajax’s best assets and was arguably their most consistent performer last season. I am confused as to why they would want to let him go for so cheap, perhaps because they would like to sign a ball-playing midfielder.
For West Ham, Alvarez would be the best possible replacement for Declan Rice. It means they’ll have funds leftover which they can use to strengthen elsewhere in the squad, while not being left with the void left by losing their captain.
Indeed, Alvarez does have leadership qualities. While he is not likely to be given the Hammers armband anytime soon, he is commanding and asks a lot of his teammates, which will help David Moyes to relay his message from the sideline.
Do you think West Ham should sign Edson Alvarez?