Ajax have joined Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Palmeiras starlet Danilo, according to ESPN, in a move that could open the door for Edson Alvarez to join Newcastle United in the New Year.
As the pressure facing Alfred Schreuder threatened to go from stifling to crushing during Ajax’s 3-3 draw at lowly Emmen last time out, chief executive Edwin Van der Sar wasted little time in coming to his head coach’s defence.
Erik Ten Hag’s replacement, Van der Sar pointed out, had been dealt a very tough hand following a summer in which the Eredivisie champions cashed in on so many of their star players.
“We sold too many players. That is not a good start for a new trainer,” the Manchester United legend admits.
So would Ajax, struggling to cope with the departures of Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Sebastien Haller and Ryan Gravenberch, really consider letting another of their prized assets head for the exit? Well, maybe; providing a replacement can be secured ahead of time.
Edson Alvarez out, Danilo in for Ajax?
According to ESPN, Ajax have set their sights on Palmeiras enforcer Danilo. Palmeiras are willing to sell for a fee of £17 million. Arsenal are still very much in hot pursuit of a deep-lying, tough-tackling defensive midfielder. One who models his game on World Cup winner N’Golo Kante (The Sun).
And with a certain Mexican man mountain making no secret of his desire to follow Antony and co out the door, Ajax’s sudden interest in Danilo feels like a timely response to the rather honest interview Alvarez conducted with ESPN a couple of weeks ago.
“I am very disappointed about it,” the one-time Celtic target said; clearly frustrated by Ajax turning down offers from the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United.
“But I am convinced that, one day, another big club will come for me. This winter, or in the summer. For now, I can only focus on Ajax.”
Edson Alvarez would give Newcastle United a different dimension
Newcastle, Mexican publication TUDN say, offered £26 million for Alvarez late in the summer. Ajax are holding out for a fee closer to £40 million. A sizeable sum, maybe, but Alvarez would give this Newcastle squad something they don’t currently have. A genuine number six. One who’s size, strength and colossal work ethic could free up Bruno Guimaraes to strut his stuff higher up the pitch.
“He does some of the stuff you don’t normally see; definitely not ‘Instagrammable’,” former England international Rio Ferdinand tells BT Sport of Alvarez.
“He breaks the play up and allows the more creative players to go and perform. These types of players are so invaluable. You appreciate them so much because they give you the platform to go and play.”
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