“There was interest from Chelsea”- North American star reveals why he couldn’t join the Blues this summer

Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez disappointed for failed Chelsea move

Speaking to ESPN (h/t Evening Standard), Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Edson Alvarez sounded off his disappointment at missing out on a chance to move to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.

The Blues made a late £43m offer to the Dutch side for the Mexican international. But, having sold a number of stars before, they were not ready to let another go and refused to negotiate a deal.

Alvarez revealed about trying to force a move away from Amsterdam, but quickly realised that it would not happen this time. He still hopes to move to a bigger club soon though.

Here’s what the midfielder said about his failed Chelsea move (h/t Evening Standard):

“There was interest from Chelsea. Nobody expected that they would make another offer. It was a difficult situation.

“Ajax really couldn’t do anything. They didn’t have a player in my position. Of course I fought as far as I could. I didn’t want to do that too much.

“Because I know the responsibility I have within the club. I am very disappointed, but I am convinced that sooner or later a big club will come for me.”

With what we have seen of Chelsea so far this season, it is evident that a midfield reform would be necessary sooner rather than later. Moreover, the future of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, both of whom have their contracts ending in June, means that they would be short on numbers in that department come next pre-season.

Alvarez is a top-class midfield player who is very good on the ball, is physically and aerially strong, reads the game well defensively and is a handful in both boxes from set pieces. The Mexican international can operate both as a defensive midfielder and as a centre-back, sometimes in a double-pivot midfield too.

It would be sensible from Chelsea’s viewpoint to try their luck in January again, seeing how disappointed the 25-year-old was despite understanding Ajax’s situation. He may push for a move after the World Cup.

More Chelsea News:

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• Manchester United join Chelsea in the race for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong
• Graham Potter reveals why he took Chelsea goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga off

Graham Potter’s men suffered their first defeat against Brighton under the new manager on Saturday. That game, along with last week’s encounter against Manchester United showed that the Blues could do with quality additions in midfield. They cannot get overrun or outclassed in that department, otherwise, they will always get dominated by the opposition.