Chelsea to rekindle pursuit of 25-year-old Eredivisie midfielder

Chelsea to reignite pursuit of Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez in January

Ajax Amsterdam star Edson Alvarez will be pursued once again by Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window after missing out on him in the summer of 2022, according to The Athletic (Subscription Required) [h/t Express].

Todd Boehly has given the go-ahead to pursue the Mexico international once more. The Blues tried to get the 25-year-old’s signature in the recent transfer window with a £43 million bid on deadline day. However, the Eredivisie outfit were keen on letting their midfielder leave.

The Stamford Bridge side are also eyeing Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and West Ham United captain Declan Rice. However, the two are not expected to move in January and will cost a significant penny next summer.

Alvarez signed for Ajax in the summer of 2019 from Club America in his home country. The Mexico international has developed into a quality number six during his time with De Godenzonene.

In the previous campaign, the 25-year-old was a pivotal player for current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam. He made 41 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit in all competitions last season, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

Alvarez also started two group-stage fixtures for Mexico at the 2022 World Cup. However, El Tri were unable to make it to the knockout rounds of the prestigious tournament in Qatar.

Currently, Chelsea’s midfield duo of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are in the final year of their current contract. The Italy and France internationals are expected to leave the club at the end of their deals.

That leaves Graham Potter with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, amongst others. It remains to be seen what happens with Denis Zakaria at the end of the season.

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Thus, the Blues evidently need to secure their engine room for the future. Alvarez is a versatile defensive midfielder capable of playing in defence. However, will the Stamford Bridge side get his signature? Only time will tell.