West Ham expert taken aback by ‘massive’ Edson Alvarez confession
West Ham star Edson Alvarez was “lucky” to avoid a near move to Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie claimed that Alvarez, 26, would not make the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge due to the depth of their midfield.
The Mexico international recently revealed that he was “an hour away” from getting on a plane to join Chelsea from Ajax in 2022 just before the deal collapsed.
He has since become a standout for David Moyes’ side after his reported £35.4million move from the Dutch giants last summer, having made 31 starts in all competitions.
West Ham ace Edson Alvarez lucky to avoid Chelsea transfer
McAvennie insisted that Alvarez has settled in well in east London and claimed he is likely thankful that his move to west London did not come to fruition amid the Blues’ continued turmoil.
“Alvarez moving to West Ham [instead of Chelsea] is a lot of luck for him,” he told Football Insider.
“He wouldn’t be getting a game for Chelsea, he’d be on the bench – they have that many players in that position!
“I think he’s very good and has settled in well.
“Being next to Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen – who wouldn’t like that?
“I look at Man City and laugh because they clearly love playing together – that’s where West Ham are getting to now.
“We’ve now got players, like Alvarez, who can keep the ball.
“That’s a massive thing and I think Alvarez is enjoying it.
“He’ll be looking at Chelsea and be happy he didn’t go.
“No disrespect to Chelsea, but they’re all over the place at the moment.”
In other news, West Ham to sanction first-team departure after £80m deal was ‘agreed in principle’ – sources.
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