Hammers midfielder open to joining Milan in swap deal

  • West Ham and Milan can complete a swap deal in the January transfer window.
  • Edson Alvarez open to joining Serie A side Milan in the upcoming transfer window.
West Ham United FC v Sport-Club Freiburg: Group A - UEFA Europa League 2023/24
West Ham United FC v Sport-Club Freiburg: Group A - UEFA Europa League 2023/24 | Richard Pelham/GettyImages

In the recent few years, West Ham have been linked with a number of transfer targets who are currently playing for Serie A giants Milan. The likes of box-to-box midfielder Youssouf Fofana and former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham were on West Ham's transfer shortlist this season as well, but preferred to join the Serie A side over the Hammers. Further, there are several reports suggesting another transfer move involving these two sides, with speculation increasing about a possible swap deal in the January transfer window.

According to this transfer move, West Ham would sign 28-year-old Milan's box-to-box midfield mainstay Ruben Loftus-Cheek while Paulo Fonseca's side will add star defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez to their squad. Although Alvarez played a great role for the Hammers in his debut season, the Mexico international has struggled for both form and fitness since recovering from his injury.

Hammers midfielder open to joining Milan in swap deal

Therefore, Julen Lopetegui's side can consider parting ways with their £34 million star in order to bring in-form central midfielder Loftus-Cheek back to the Premier League in January. On top of that, Alvarez also seems to be open to this transfer as the former Ajax star discussed these transfer rumours, saying,

"Let's see, if you are in this environment, rumours will exist, both for you and for us. And well, I think that, as they said, it means that you are doing things well, that they are turning their attention to you. "
Edson Alvarez

While the deep-lying holding midfielder admired Milan's interest in him due to his impressive performances for the Hammers last season, Alvarez didn't ruled out a move to the Serie A side in the upcoming seasons. Further, West Ham already have Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez for the defensive midfield role and thus, could allow Alvarez to depart the London Stadium if a good offer arrives for the 26-year-old.

Moreover, it remains to be seen whether some more top European clubs enter the race to secure Alvarez's signature if he gives some consistent displays for West Ham in the upcoming Premier League matches.