Newcastle United could reportedly beat Chelsea to the signing of Edson Alvarez, with the Mexican international expected to leave Ajax in the summer transfer window.
According to journalist Dean Jones, the Magpies are one of the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old Eredivisie star, with Chelsea the side who came closest to landing the versatile defensive midfielder in 2022, though Newcastle could now have the edge this year.
Jones said on Newcastle’s interest in Alvarez: “I think this is a situation that they don’t have to rush into. While there’s definitely admiration for Alvarez from multiple clubs around Europe, it doesn’t feel like you could get behind in a battle at this stage. I think there’s a pretty clear pathway to go for him as and when you want to.”
With a reported asking price of £43m, Newcastle have the finances to beat Chelsea to Alvarez this summer, with Eddie Howe’s side also likely to qualify for European football come to the end of the season, something the Blues might miss out on all together based on their current Premier League position.
Indeed, with Alvarez one of the best defensive players outside of Europe’s top-five leagues, Newcastle signing the midfielder and adding the 25-year-old to their current options could be an inspired move from the Tyneside club. And beating Chelsea is seemingly not out of the question, as well.
Whilst the Blues are set to splurge yet again in the transfer market in the summer and bend every rule in the book to make it as FFP-compatible as possible, Newcastle’s incredible rise could make Alvarez more interested in signing for the northeast side than Chelsea, where the Mexican will likely be just another squad player.
Alvarez should sign for Newcastle over Chelsea this summer
Newcastle have been shrewd with their business since the PIF takeover in 2021, and whilst Alvarez wouldn’t be a superstar signing, the 25-year-old would be a great addition for Howe’s side and a player who can add a lot of quality in both the midfield and the central defence.
Whilst Chelsea could have the financial muscle to beat Newcastle, the Magpies have shown this season that they are a great landing club for many aspiring players, and Alvarez can join this group in the summer if Howe pushes hard enough.
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