Chelsea eye 25-year-old Mexican to replace N’Golo Kante in January

Chelsea to replace N’Golo Kante by signing Edson Alvarez in January

According to journalist Simon Phillips, via GiveMeSport (h/t Express), Chelsea could replace N’Golo Kante by signing Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Edson Alvarez in the January transfer window.

The Blues wanted to sign the Mexican international in the preceding summer window as well, but a move did not materialise. The player later shared his disappointment at missing out on an opportunity to move away from Ajax but was confident of clubs coming for him in the future.

Alvarez, who was part of the Mexican side that got knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage, has a contract with Ajax until the summer of 2025 (Transfermarkt).

If Chelsea manage to sign him next month, he could be an ideal replacement for Kante. The Frenchman has his contract expiring at the end of this season, with no agreement on an extension yet.

He has been repeatedly linked with a move to Barcelona. Multiple injury issues in the last year or so haven’t helped the cause regarding his future at Stamford Bridge.

Just like Kante, Alvarez is a defensive midfielder who reads the game well, intercepts opposition attacks, is good on the ball and wins most of his duels. The advantage of having the Mexican is that he can play as a centre-back and is aerially stronger compared to the Frenchman.

Kante is 31 and Alvarez is 25. This sounds like a good succession plan in store for the Blues. They could sign a player of a similar profile to their star midfielder who can offer quality and longevity.

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Having missed out on the Ajax midfielder in the summer, we need to make sure the timing of the transfer offer and related perks are done impeccably. We are short on numbers in midfield due to Kante’s repeated injuries. Hence, getting Alvarez in January itself would help in the resurrection of form in the second half of this season.