West Ham United have been handed an unexpected boost in their pursuit of a Declan Rice replacement with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Edson Alvarez’s move to Borussia Dortmund has broken down.
Following Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid earlier this month, West Ham United will not the only club scouring the market for a player capable of filling a sizeable midfield void created by the big-money departure of an all-action England international.
Arsenal are closing to reaching an agreement with the Hammers over Declan Rice after submitting a Premier League-record package of £105 million.
Now, finding someone capable of emulating Rice entirely is easier said than done. Few possess the Englishman’s remarkably complete skill-set after all. Edson Alvarez, however, would help David Moyes move on from his Conference League winning skipper.
While not as effective going forward as Rice, the 6ft 4ins Mexico international would offset the loss of Rice’s energy, poise and physical presence in the middle of the park, while potentially freeing up Lucas Paqueta to do what he does best in the final third.
Declan Rice out and Edson Alvarez in at West Ham
West Ham, linked with Alvarez via BILD and The Guardian, appeared to have missed out to Borussia Dortmund. But, with the Bundesliga runners-up now backing out of the race, a door that seemed to slam shut in Moyes’ face is now swinging open once again.
“Understand Borussia Dortmund have now pulled out of the race to sign Edson Alvarez,” Fabrizio Romano writes on Twitter. “Despite agreeing personal terms with the Mexican midfielder last week.
“BVB intend to proceed with Emre Can as their defensive midfielder, and go for different players in the midfield now.”
De Telegraaf report that Ajax’s lofty asking price proved too rich for Dortmund’s blood in the end. Ajax reportedly want around £35 million. West Ham may find themselves in a far stronger negotiating position soon enough; Rice set to become the most expensive footballer in British history.
West Ham could also move for Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana. Lille’s Carlos Baleba is another option.
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