West Ham ‘target Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez to replace Declan Rice but face competition from Borussia Dortmund… with Dutch side wanting £45m for Mexico international’
- Rice lifted the Europa Conference League trophy in his last match for Hammers
- David Moyes is considering relegated Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse
- Ajax are preparing to sell the 25-year-old midfielder a year after Chelsea snub
West Ham have lined up Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.
Chairman David Sullivan confirmed Rice has played his last game for the club following their Europa Conference League triumph.
Hammers boss David Moyes is keen on signing James Ward-Prowse, who will leave Southampton after their relegation from the Premier League.
And West Ham are also considering a move for Alvarez, according to the Guardian.
Ajax are prepared to sell the 25-year-old after snubbing an offer Chelsea last summer, with the Dutch side wanting £45million for the Mexico international.
West Ham are set to battle Borussia Dortmund for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez this summer
Arsenal lead the chase to sign the club’s outgoing captain Declan Rice during the window
West Ham chairman David Sullivan (right) confirmed that Rice would leave this summer
West Ham are looking to negotiate a lower fee for Álvarez, who has extensive Champions League experience, but they face competition from Borussia Dortmund, who have money to spend after agreeing to sell Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid for £88.5m (€103m) plus add-ons that could reach about another £25m (€30m).
Joao Palhinha is an alternative option but his value has increased significantly after impressing since joining Fulham for £20m last summer.
England star Rice will leave the London Stadium this summer after chairman David Sullivan took the unusual step of confirming his captain’s pending departure whilst also revealing the midfielder’s refusal to sign a £200,000-per-week new contract has cost the 24-year-old £10million in wages.
Arsenal want to swiftly conclude a £90m swoop but face paying the West Ham skipper’s initial transfer fee in full inside two years.
The Hammers value Rice closer to £100m, and because Manchester United and Bayern Munich have both shown an interest in their 24-year-old, Sullivan believes he can spark a bidding war for the midfielder.
Arsenal believe they are front runners but are reluctant to meet the £100m asking price.
Nevertheless, United’s emergence as rivals for Rice could yet scupper Arsenal’s hopes, as well as the growing interest from Bayern Munich.
