Report: Chelsea submit a late bid for 24-year-old midfielder that’s been called ‘too slow’

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea have reportedly made a bid very late in the transfer window for Ajax star Edson Alvarez.

According to Sky Sports, the Blues have put an offer on the table worth £43million to sign the Ajax defensive midfielder.

It is understood that the Dutch champions could already generate £180million from sales in this summer window, so aren’t under pressure to sell the 24-year-old player to Chelsea.

The report explains Thomas Tuchel’s Blues are still aiming to bring in a new midfielder and forward to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes tonight.

Chelsea bid for Edson Alvarez

It looks like the Blues want to strengthen in the centre of the park still before the window shuts. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is another midfielder linked as a potential late Chelsea target this week.

Alvarez, 24, is someone that’s grown into a key player in recent seasons in Amsterdam.

The 55-time capped Mexico international has a shed load of experience for his age, including 17 games on the Champions League stage.

He’s a deep-lying midfielder that’s strong on the ball and tough in the tackle, but it would be another big step up in the Premier League.

Pace warning

It’s a worrying sign to hear Alvarez’s speed has previously been criticised.

You can still be a top player without lightning quick speed, but Chelsea fans are often left pulling their hair out when current player Jorginho is bypassed in the centre of the park by a turn of pace.

Described as “too slow” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, Alvarez could have a tough time adapting to the Premier League.

Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.