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| Edson Alvarez of Ajax celebrates the second goal during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Utrecht and Ajax at the Galgenwaard on August 28, 2022 in Utrecht, Netherlands. |
Chelsea transfer target Edson Alvarez refused to train with Ajax on Thursday, amid continuing speculation linking the Mexican with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf report the 24-year-old informed the club that he wants them to start negotiating with Thomas Tuchel’s side after they submitted a £43million bid for the defensive midfielder.
The Mexico international becomes the third Ajax player this summer to refuse to train in an attempt to force a move.
Alvarez follows new Manchester United signing Antony, who eventually was signed for £85.5m after a stand off with the club.
Meanwhile, Ajax told Mohammed Kudus they would not allow him to join Everton despite the Ghanaian refusing to train.
Alvarez is desperate to move to Chelsea as he fears the chance to move to the club may not arise again.
However, the Dutch champions are refusing to allow any more of their squad to depart this window after selling both Antony and Lisandro Martinez to United, Sebastian Haller to Borussia Dortmund, Ryan Gravenberch to Bayern Munich and Nicolas Tagliafico to Lyon.
But Alvarez sees Chelsea as a dream move and the offer for him has not been rejected out of hand by Ajax yet, providing hope for the midfielder.
A potential problem with the deal is that the Dutch transfer window closed on Wednesday evening, a day earlier than the Thursday night deadline in England, meaning Ajax wouldn’t be able to bring in a replacement.
Chelsea have made their move amid injuries to N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek while Mateo Kovacic is just returning to fitness.
They have rebuffed offers for Conor Gallagher so far with over seven Premier League clubs showing interest, including Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
