Chelsea were in the race for Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez.
According to media outlet Calciomercato (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the race for Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with the Blues seeing a £40 million bid on deadline day get rejected for the Mexico international.
Alvarez was keen to make a move to west London, but the Dutch side were reluctant to let him leave after having sold a number of their first-team players during the summer.
Chelsea did manage to reinforce their midfield by signing Carney Chukwuemeka and Denis Zakaria in the summer. The latter is on a season-long loan deal from Juventus.
N’Golo Kante, the heartbeat of the Blues midfield has not featured for the club since August. While the likes of Conor Gallagher and Mateo Kovacic have stepped up during the Frenchman’s absence, his presence is still missed.
The 31-year-old also sees his current contract expire next summer (transfermarkt) and there is no indication of any extension. Kante has struggled for fitness this last year and a half and one could say that maybe it is time the Blues replaced him.
Alvarez makes the perfect candidate for such a task. The Mexican has been a key player for his side since joining them in 2019 from CF America. The 25-year-old has played in 16 games so far in all competitions, scoring one goal and registering another two assists in the process.
Replacing a player like Kante was never going to be an easy job, but the 25-year-old could be the answer. He has huge experience under his belt and should he arrive, he could play out his prime years at Chelsea just like the Frenchman did.
With United also joining the race, it will be wise for the west London club to set up their pursuit of the midfielder. It remains to be seen if the Blues make any approach in January or next summer.
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