West Ham United sign Ajax’s Edson Alvarez for £35 million as Declan Rice replacement

West Ham United have finally acquired their first signing of the summer, by agreeing a deal with Ajax for Edson Alvarez. The midfielder is expected to be the replacement for Declan Rice, who moved on from the club as the record sale for the Hammers. 

Alvarez will be making the move for a fee worth £34-35 million, and will travel to London in the coming days to complete the medical for the transfer. Personal terms have already been agreed between the player and the club and an official announcement will follow. 

Edson Alvarez to sign for West Ham United from Ajax 

The midfielder was in talks with Borussia Dortmund for a transfer earlier this summer as well. But, negotiations between the two clubs eventually fell through and he ended up staying. Now, the opportunity has arrived for a transfer to the Premier League, which he has taken up. 

West Ham United were trying to sign former Chelsea loanee and Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria. But, the Swiss international will be making the move to Monaco instead. 

Now, David Moyes finally has his Declan Rice replacement in the form of Edson Alvarez, who could develop much further at the club. The Mexican could be followed by Harry Maguire, with a £30 million bid made to Manchester United to sign the centre-back. 

West Ham have also parted ways with Gianluca Scamacca after only one season. The Italian has signed for Atalanta amidst interest from Roma, Milan and Inter, which means that a new striker could also arrive for the Europa Conference League winners.