WEST HAM are stepping up the pursuit for their Declan Rice replacement – Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
The Hammers have approached the Dutch giants over the Mexican international, who is valued between £35m and £40m.
Alvarez is West Ham’s number one target to replace RiceRex
A formal bid is expected to follow once Rice’s drawn-out £105m switch to Arsenal is finally completed – seemingly this weekend.
SunSport previously reported that West Ham chiefs were angry with the Gunners’ constant delays around signing the England international and East London skipper.
The record-breaking £100m offer plus £5m worth of add-ons was accepted on July 4, but Arsenal lawyers are only just ready to approve the paperwork and have West Ham sign.
There was also a long wait between the £105m bid being made on June 27 and being accepted due to disagreements over the payment terms that were eventually rectified.
West Ham feared these delays could scupper their own transfer plans, and are ready to make up for lost time with the Premier League season beginning in just under a month.
Alvarez, 25, has been long admired by David Moyes and West Ham, and has also been monitored heavily in the past by Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.
The Blues attempted to nab Alvarez last summer during their mega spending spree, but could not come to an agreement with Ajax.
He said at the time: “I am very disappointed about it. But I am convinced that one day a big club will come.”
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Dortmund then came close to securing his signature earlier this summer, only to rule themselves out of the running – yet remain interested should West Ham’s bid fail.
Alvarez joined Ajax from Mexican side Club America in 2019 on a five-year deal, which has since been extended so it expires in the summer of 2025.
West Ham have kept their eye on Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, but fear being priced out of a move for the Portuguese international.
Under new technical director Tim Steidten – who was appointed earlier this month – they are also keeping tabs on Juventus’ Denis Zakaria.
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