Edson Alvarez was close to joining Chelsea last summer but Ajax blocked a move due to being unable to find a suitable replacement before the transfer window closed. The Blues had a £43million bid rejected by the Dutch giants - resulting in the Mexican midfielder staying in the Netherlands.
Alvarez has once again emerged as an option for Chelsea with Mauricio Pochettino keen to bolster his midfield ahead of next season. Moises Caicedo remains the West Londoners' priority, but a move for Alvarez could materialise as he looks set to leave Ajax this summer.
With that being said, football.london takes a look at all the latest speculation involving Alvarez penning a deal in west London this summer.
Chelsea renew interest in Alvarez
The Times have reported that Leeds United star Tyler Adams and Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez are of interest to Chelsea. The latter was linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge last summer but was unable to force through a £40million move to the club despite his best efforts.
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Player stance
Following his failed move to Stamford Bridge, in which he attempted to force through by following Antony's example by refusing to report for first team training in the summer, the Mexican midfielder has now opened up on what happened during deadline day.
Alvarez told ESPN in Holland: “I am very disappointed about it [failed move to Chelsea]. But I am convinced that one day a big club will come.
"We never expected Chelsea to put in another bid at the end of August. It was a difficult situation. Ajax couldn't do anything."
Borussia Dortmund move stalls
West Ham United remain interested in signing Alvarez after Borussia Dortmund's move for the Ajax defensive midfielder stalled, according to 90min.
The Mexican had expressed his interest in moving to Germany. Alvarez said: "This is what could make it the right time to take the next step in my career but everything has to be perfect. I have to improve, but so do Ajax."
Contract details
In July 2019, Ajax signed Alvarez from Club America 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 now 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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