Journalist Pete O'Rourke has claimed that reported transfer target Edson Alvarez would be a 'huge statement signing' for West Ham United.
The Lowdown: Rice replacement?
Journalist and transfer expert Graeme Bailey recently told Loaded Mag NUFC that West Ham are considering signing Alvarez because of Declan Rice’s potential move to Chelsea.
The England international is reportedly a summer target for the Blues, and so if he is to leave, the Hammers will have to line up a suitable replacement.
The Latest: 'Huge statement signing'
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O'Rourke has claimed that Alvarez would be a 'huge statement signing' at the London Stadium:
“Midfield has been an area of concern for West Ham. They didn’t land all of their top targets in the summer, so it’s been a position that David Moyes wants to fill. And if he can sign someone like Alvarez, it would be a huge statement signing.”
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The Verdict: Hard to replace Rice...
It would no doubt be a tough task for any player to replace Rice at the Irons.
Lauded as a ‘monster’, a ‘force of nature’, a ‘leader’ and a ‘serious talent’ by journalist Rob Blanchette, there are not many better players in Rice’s position, while former England international Paul Parker even believes that he the ‘best central midfielder in the country‘.
He has won the Hammer of the Year award twice, including last season's, and some supporters may even deem him irreplaceable.
However, with 61 caps for Mexico, Alvarez is also a top player, and someone Chelsea were willing to bid £43m for in the summer.
David Moyes' side are also reportedly interested in signing strikers Youssef En-Nesyri and Terem Moffi, so if they can get enough quality signings through the door, it may cover for the potential loss of Rice.