West Ham target Edson Alvarez turned down Hollywood actress Salma Hayek’s transfer pleas and ‘cried all day’ over failed Chelsea move

Edson Alvarez is finally securing his dream move to the Premier League – except not with Chelsea but their London rivals West Ham.

talkSPORT have revealed that the Hammers have agreed a £34million deal with Ajax for Alvarez as they make their first signing of the summer.

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The 25-year-old, who had been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, is expected to undergo his medical this week.

It marks a protracted switch to England for the Mexico international, who came close to joining Chelsea last September.

Alvarez was desperate to complete a £43m move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day only for Ajax to block the move due to being unable to find a suitable replacement before the window slammed shut.

In an interview with De Telegraaf earlier this year, Alvarez explained: “I cried all day and then I showed that I am a strong person.

“Of course the disappointment lasted for a while, but I think everything happens for a reason. Maybe it wasn’t the right time yet.”

The doomed Chelsea move wasn’t the first time Alvarez – who has risen to become one of the most highly sought after midfielders since arriving at Ajax from Club de Football America – was linked with leaving the Eredivisie.

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Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais made a push to sign him the year before the Blues and even got Hollywood actress Salma Hayek involved.

Eternals star Hayek is the wife of Rennais owner Francois-Henri Pinault and was born in Mexico alongside Alvarez.

And the man himself admitted to De Telegraaf: “As a well-known Mexican compatriot, she called me and tried to persuade me to come to France.

“That surprised and flattered me, but my choice for Ajax was certain and I explained that to her.

“She’s a very great and famous actress all over the world because of her Hollywood films, a huge star. I hold her very high.

“She is an example because as a Mexican she fought to be where she is today.”

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Now it seems to be third time lucky for Alvarez as David Moyes edges closer to landing his top midfield target to replace Declan Rice.

As was the case with England’s £105million Rice, Alvarez started his career in defence before finding a home at the base of midfield.

He has even showcased his versatility by deputising at right-back for his country during the 2018 World Cup.

“Really, I’m comfortable in the middle, I feel really comfortable as a five,” Alvarez told Goal in 2019.

“I don’t dislike playing centre-back either. It’s a position where I started my career, even going back to the academy days, when I was just starting I was playing centre-back.

“To be honest, right back isn’t my strongest position. At the end of the day, though, I’ve always said that’s football and at the time the manager needed me there.

“I wanted to show him I that I was able to do it.”

Alvarez’s strengths go far beyond his versatility, with only former teammate Jurrien Timber (80.2) averaging more passes per game than Alvarez (77.3) in the Eredivisie last season.

Crucially, the Mexican isn’t one to shy away from his defensive responsibilities having chipped in with 2.5 tackles per 90 as well.

West Ham were always going to miss the void left behind by talisman Rice but Alvarez will clearly be raring to go to fill it.