“Fabrizio Romano: West Ham Reject Bid from UCL Club for Their £35m Star, Talks Ongoing”
West Ham United Aim to Equip Graham Potter with a Strong Squad by Winter Window's End to Revive Their Season
Graham Potter’s tenure as West Ham manager got off to a disappointing start as his team fell 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup despite initially taking the lead.
The former Chelsea boss is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead, with West Ham sitting in 14th place in the Premier League after Julen Lopetegui’s departure.
There has been significant activity surrounding potential incomings at the London Stadium.
Reports from TBR Football suggest that Marcus Rashford has attracted West Ham’s interest as uncertainty looms over his future at Manchester United.
Additionally, the Irons are closely monitoring Reuben Livesey-Austin, a target they share with Southampton.
Now, an update from Fabrizio Romano sheds light on Edson Alvarez’s situation at West Ham.
West Ham Reject AS Monaco’s Loan Bid for Edson Alvarez
In July, Lopetegui praised Alvarez’s exceptional form, stating the midfielder was playing the best football of his career.
Signed for £35.4 million from Ajax in August 2023 (per Sky Sports), Alvarez quickly adapted to the Premier League, delivering standout performances for West Ham.
These impressive displays have caught the attention of AS Monaco, who recently submitted a loan bid for the Mexican international.
However, Graham Potter’s side rejected the proposal.
Fabrizio Romano reported, “AS Monaco have submitted an initial bid for Edson Alvarez, a loan proposal that has been rejected by West Ham.
Talks continue as Monaco want Alvarez and can offer Champions League football, but it’s not easy as West Ham still consider the Mexican midfielder an important player.”
Alvarez, whose contract runs until 2028, remains a key figure at West Ham.
Any move, whether permanent or on loan, would signal a swift exit for the midfielder.
Tim Steidten, West Ham’s technical director, described Alvarez as a “leader,” further emphasizing his integral role in the squad.
However, Monaco’s ability to offer Champions League football presents a potential challenge to the Hammers’ efforts to keep him.
Why Alvarez Should Stay and Impress Graham Potter
Graham Potter has proven his ability to elevate teams, as seen during his transformative tenure at Brighton & Hove Albion.
West Ham boasts a more talented squad than the Seagulls he inherited, offering a promising platform for success.
Alvarez, a top-quality midfielder, could emerge as Potter’s version of Yves Bissouma or Moises Caicedo, anchoring the team’s midfield.
If Alvarez rebuffs Monaco’s advances, he could become a cornerstone in Potter’s vision for a progressive West Ham side.
Under the Englishman, the Hammers are likely to adopt a possession-dominant style, contrasting with Lopetegui’s counterattacking approach.
Adapting to this new system could further enhance Alvarez’s development as a player.
For West Ham, retaining Alvarez is essential, particularly as Manchester United and now Monaco express interest in the midfielder.
If Alvarez chooses to stay, he could play a vital role in helping West Ham climb the Premier League table under Potter’s guidance.
Upcoming Fixtures for West Ham
West Ham faces a challenging set of fixtures in January, starting with a Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday, January 14th, at 20:30.
They will then host Crystal Palace on Saturday, January 18th, at 16:00, followed by an away game against Aston Villa on Sunday, January 26th, at 17:30.
A Stylistic Revolution Under Potter
Graham Potter’s appointment marks a potential shift in West Ham’s playing philosophy.
The team is expected to focus on controlling possession and dictating games, moving away from Lopetegui’s counterattacking approach.
This stylistic change could prove beneficial for players like Alvarez, whose technical ability and versatility make him well-suited for a possession-oriented system.
As a two-time Eredivisie champion, Alvarez has already demonstrated his capacity to thrive in different playing styles.
Remaining at West Ham under Potter’s leadership could provide him with the opportunity to elevate his game further.
However, the interest from top clubs like Monaco and Manchester United raises questions about Alvarez’s future.
Whether he chooses to stay in East London or is lured away by the prospect of Champions League football will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch in the coming weeks.
