Chelsea: £43m star now 'really pushing' for Stamford Bridge move

Chelsea target Edson Alvarez is pushing for a move to Stamford Bridge before tonight’s transfer deadline, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Ajax midfielder has emerged as a late target for the west London club, and it appears that he is keen to link-up with Thomas Tuchel’s side.

As per Sky Sports, Chelsea have made a £43m bid to sign Alvarez amid their current midfield crisis.

Tuchel was without the injured N’Golo Kante and the suspended Conor Gallagher for the 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Tuesday night, while Mateo Kovacic has only just returned from a brief spell on the sidelines.

During that surprise loss, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was the next Chelsea midfielder to pick up an injury, leaving his manager with very few options right now.

Alvarez, then, could perhaps be the solution, but some will wonder why the Blues have left it so late given Kante’s fitness record and the fact that both him and Jorginho are out of contract next summer.

Phillips has told GIVEMESPORT that Alvarez wants to join Chelsea and Ajax have not closed the door on a transfer.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: “He’s not trained today with Ajax, so he’s really pushing for the move and I’m told Ajax will not stand in his way.”

If Chelsea are able to get a deal for Alvarez done and the 24-year-old is registered in time, it would not be a surprise to see him play some part in the Blues’ next fixture.

They take on West Ham in a London derby on Saturday and obviously head into that game with so many issues in midfield.

Kante will not be back, with the Frenchman not expected to return until next month, while Loftus-Cheek could also now be a doubt.

Tuchel said he was only meant to give Kovacic 20 minutes at St Mary’s following his return from