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LONDON (AP) — Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez joined West Ham from Ajax on Thursday as the replacement for the departed Declan Rice.
Ajax said the initial fee for Álvarez is more than 38 million euros ($41.9 million). He has signed a five-year deal.
“It’s a hugely sentimental moment for me in my career,” the 25-year-old Álvarez said. “To join a club like a West Ham is a dream for me and my family.”
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That’s according to Get French Football News, who claim that Balogun wants a move abroad this summer.
Balogun appears to have no future at Arsenal and the Gunners are ready to sell up this summer.
Noises surrounding a potential move to West Ham have been accelerating since last night.
The Independent reported on Wednesday night that West Ham had emerged as ‘main competitors’ for Balogun’s signature alongside Monaco.
Balogun allegedly preferred a move to either AC or Inter Milan but that looks unlikely now.
TEAMtalk claim that West Ham have made a first move for Balogun by enquiring into a deal for the Arsenal striker.
GFFN state that whilst West Ham do want Balogun, he prefers a move abroad and is leaving West Ham to look elsewhere.
Edson Álvarez would be an exceptional signing for West Ham United.![I was very disappointed' - Ajax midfielder Alvarez opens up on failed Chelsea transfer | Goal.com US](https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltaa78bbebb8d15e5a/635d1618bea5c70cb5ab8e5e/Edson_Alvarez.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
West Ham have money to spend after offloading Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca.
The Scamacca experiment didn’t work and West Ham really need to go and invest in another striker this summer.
Balogun would have been simply ideal having showed off his quality with French side Reims last season.
The 22-year-old hit 22 goals in all competitions last season and was hailed as a simply ‘unbelievable’ player by boss William Still.
Balogun has enormous potential and could lead the line for West Ham for years to come – if they can convince him to change his mind.
Balogun seemingly loved playing away from London last season and may well feel that his game is better suited to playing abroad, possibly leaving Weest Ham to look elsewhere.