Chelsea transfer news: Edson Alvarez made an offer

Chelsea have considered Ajax’s Edson Alvarez their last target as they look to bolster their midfield before the transfer window closes.

The Blues have already spent more than £200m this summer after it was confirmed that £70m had arrived from Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and that they hadn’t finished cashing out yet.

Alvarez has established himself as one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders since signing with Ajax in 2019, and the Mexico international has three years left on his contract.

Chelsea are believed to have made a €50m bid for the 24-year-old, as well as offering to quadruple his wages, and the player is said to be demanding to leave as he is unsure if he will ever get such an opportunity again.

However, Ajax is refusing to sell after seeing Anthony leave in recent days to Manchester United for €100m, having already lost the likes of Sebastian Haller, Lisandro Martinez and Ryan Gravenburch this summer.

The Dutch team has previously prevented approaching Rennes and Newcastle, but a move to Chelsea may force them to do so, despite Ajax coach Gerald Schroeder claiming that the club cannot afford to lose more key players.

Chelsea set a busy day for the deadline

Thomas Tuchel is desperate to sign an attacking midfielder and defensive line before the window closes as he looks to balance his squad after a disappointing start to the season.

If Ajax resists Chelsea’s advance, the Blues could return with a move for Frenkie de Jong, having inquired about the Barcelona midfielder earlier in the summer.

De Jong’s move may be complicated by the issue of his unpaid salary at Barcelona but the Catalan side are looking to make money from the Dutchman so a deal can be struck.

Chelsea are already in negotiations with Barcelona to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a deal for the striker is expected, with Marcos Alonso potentially going the other way.

Chelsea are also still looking to go ahead with the moves of players like Arsene Zakharian and Jusko Gvardiol while Hakim Ziyech can still leave before the deadline.