Arsenal now want to sign Edson Alvarez and could rival interest from Newcastle United to agree terms with Ajax before the deadline, with the Toon ready to make an improved bid.
Arsenal now want to sign Edson Alvarez from Ajax against Newcastle interest
According to 90min, Arsenal are interested in a late move to sign Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez. Mikel Arteta is exploring the market for last-gasp options who can improve his core after losing first and second-choice anchors Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny.
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Partey is facing a short spell on the sidelines after sustaining a minor thigh injury and could return in early September. But the Gunners may be without Elneny for a prolonged period, as the Egyptian has suffered a hamstring injury and is awaiting the results of further scans.
Agents aware of Arteta’s plight have now approached Emirates Stadium chiefs to offer the north Londoners potential transfers. Several options have been put to Arsenal over recent days, while multiple targets remain on the club’s radar – including their interest in Alvarez.
Arsenal are among the teams known to be admirers of Alvarez after showing his defensive midfield potential with Ajax. Newcastle have also shown an interest in signing the 24-year-old this summer, but De Godenzonen have indicated that they are unwilling to let him go.
Ajax are majorly reluctant to offload the 55-cap Mexico international, having already sold Lisandro Martinez, Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, Nicolas Tagliafico and now Antony this summer. So, Johan Cruijff ArenA chiefs would see a deal for Alvarez in a very bad light.
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Newcastle have already tested Ajax’s resolve with a formal bid this summer, before 90min cited interested from Arsenal and Tyneside. Mexican TV station TUDN note the Toon made an offer worth in excess of €30m (£26m) earlier in August, but talks continued over a deal.
So much so that Dutch football reporter Mike Verweij tells De Telegraaf that the Magpies are prepared to go to €40m (£34.5m) for a deal. But he adds Alvarez has now ‘resigned’ himself to staying at the Johan Cruijff ArenA after De Godenzonen indicated that he is not for sale.
Arsenal will likely have to eclipse Newcastle’s offers to ensure their interest in Alvarez sees Ajax pull a U-turn. He has 107 appearances with nine goals and five assists from deep-lying positions with the Dutch giants, since joining from his academy outfit CF America in 2019.
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