Edson Alvarez: "I fought to join Chelsea this summer"

Karan Tejwani

29 Oct 2022 13:55 BST
3 min read

Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez has spoken about the interest in him from Chelsea and how he fought for a transfer to the Blues in the summer.

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Chelsea made a late move for Alvarez as they looked to bolster their midfield options but were priced out as Ajax were unwilling to sell having already sold many of their stars over the transfer window.

Ajax also didn’t have a direct replacement in their team or enough time to sign a replacement, which is why they were keen to keep Alvarez.

READ: Who is Edson Alvarez? Ajax's midfield machine targeted by Chelsea

Now, the Mexican has spoken about that interest and how eager he was to complete the transfer to Stamford Bridge this year.

Alvarez speaks on failed move

Speaking to ESPN, he said: ''There was interest from Chelsea, of course. Nobody expected them to make another bid. It was a tricky situation. Ajax really couldn't do anything. They couldn't do anything more. They didn't have another player in my position."

''Of course I fought as far as I could. Again, I didn't want to do that too much. Because I know the responsibility I have within the club. But yes, in the end you are aware that everything changes.

READ: Edson Alvarez to Barcelona: The winners and losers

He then spoke about the benefits of a move: “It’s a better league, a better life for yourself and for your family. Because that's what it's all about in the end. I have always thought to myself that I am here because of my love for football, But also for my family. That they are well, that I can take care of my children and my parents.

“So yes... On the other hand, it motivates me tremendously, that clubs of that size are watching my matches, my actions. I hate it, but I am convinced that sooner or later a big club will come for me.''

❌ Edson Álvarez doet uitgebreid zijn verhaal over de afgeketste transfer naar Chelsea:

"Ik baal er enorm van."
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) October 29, 2022

There’s a belief that Ajax will be more open to a move in the January transfer window, and Chelsea have still been in contact, making him one of their top transfer priorities.

They may face more competition, though, as it’s been said that Barcelona and Manchester United are also keeping an eye on the player, with a fee as high as €50 million quoted for his signature.