Edson Alvarez has quickly become heavily linked with a move to Chelsea on deadline day as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his midfield. The Blues have been in the market for a midfielder for much of the summer and Todd Boehly looks set to finally grant the German his wish.
Fellow Eredivisie star Ibrahim Sangare has also emerged as a late option for the west Londoners with just a few hours left before the window slams shut this evening. Chelsea's knee-jerk intent to sign either of the two follows a wave of injuries at the heart of midfield.
As it stands, ahead of the Blues' clash with West Ham at the weekend, only Billy Gilmour and Carney Chukwuemeka are said to be entirely match fit. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been spoken of as a doubt after picking up a knock on the south coast versus Southampton.
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With that being said, football.london takes a look at all the latest speculation involving Alvarez penning a deal in west London this summer.
Bid submitted
Chelsea submitted a £43million bid for Ajax's Edson Alvarez yesterday, football.london understand. It's said that the 24-year-old versatile midfielder is ready to swap the Johan Cruyff Arena for Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel wish
Tuchel is in the market for a long-term replacement of either Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, who each see their contracts in west London expire next year. Boehly has, in fairness, signed just two midfielders this summer but both are of little experience.
One of whom has been steered into the development squad - Cesare Casadei - and the other - Chukwuemeka - is yet to feature for the first team. Nonetheless, Chelsea have unleashed a late ploy to finally sign the Blues boss a midfielder with Alvarez subject to a bid.
Contract details
In July 2019, Ajax signed Alvarez from Club América on a five-year deal. Two years later, he penned a one-year extension with the Dutch giants keeping him at the club until 2025.
According to SalarySport, the Mexico international is currently earning £19,000-per-week. According to widespread reports, it's believed that Chelsea are willing to quadruple his wage packet should he pen a deal at Stamford Bridge.
United advantage
While Alvarez may want a move to Chelsea, Manchester United could still hold an advantage over the Blues. Former Ajax teammate and new Red Devils defender Lisandro Martinez has admitted that he'd like to play with the Mexican one day.
Speaking to Ajax’s club website upon his move to Old Trafford this summer, as quoted by Dutch outlet Voetbal International, the Argentine said he will miss Alvarez on and off the pitch. Martinez, who penned a five-year deal at United, even said he's hoping to reunite with his friend at another club one day.
Martinez said: "I’m getting a little emotional now because Edson is like a brother to me. In a short period of time we have built up a close friendship and that will of course continue to exist. But I’m going to miss Edson very much.
"I hope we can play together again soon at a club. Edson deserves these words. He’s a fantastic person."
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