Alleged West Ham target Edson Alvarez admitted that he dreams of joining Manchester City, when speaking to Dutch media outlet Voetbalzone.
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The Hammers were linked with a move to sign the 23-year-old Ajax ace by Portuguese media outlet Record.
And with Hammers boss David Moyes in desperate need of signing a top class, youthful centre-back next summer, it would be no surprise if we went back in for the 32-capped Mexico international.
West Ham might just have to beat Manchester City to the 6ft 2in centre-back, however.
Alvarez told Voetbalzone that he dreams of moving to the Etihad to link up with Pep Guardiola at some point:
“I would love to achieve that (win the Dutch Eredivisie) one day. And after that, it is a dream of mine to play in the Premier League one day. Manchester City is my favourite club, so that would be perfect.”
Alvarez is one of the most highly rated young centre-backs in world football. In six Eredivisie outings for Ajax this season, the 23-year-old has averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game. The Mexican has won an average of 2.2 aerial duals per match during those outings (Who Scored).
Alvarez has averaged 0.8 dribbles per match in those games – a stat that highlight’s his penchant for carrying the ball out from the back.
That would obviously suit Manchester City’s style. And if Guardiola’s interest is piqued by Alvarez’s comments, West Ham will undoubtedly have their work cut out.
The Mexican is exactly the kind of signing the Hammers should be looking to make. He joined Ajax for just $17 million (£13 million) 17 months ago (Goal).
The 23-year-old will unquestionably be worth more than that now, however.
Nevertheless, the West Ham owners must do all they can to bring him to the London Stadium. His self-confessed love for City could end up being a big bump in the road for the Hammers though.
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