West Ham United have identified an AFC Ajax sensation to bolster the midfield ranks and pump some new life into the fold after a damaging 2022/23 campaign thus far. 

Finishing within the European platform in both the past two seasons, Hammers boss David Moyes is now under weighted scrutiny surrounding the confidence in his management of such a talented bunch of players.

Despite his prosperous fortunes since assuming the role of head coach for a second time in December 2019, the club have run wayward this term, languishing in 17th place, level on points with Nottingham Forest, who are only in the drop-zone due to an inferior goal difference. 

With Ajax’s Edson Alvarez distinguished as a player to navigate a course that will get the Iron faithful cheering once again, a glimmer of hope might indeed arise from a troubling situation.

This is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who detailed his thoughts on the situation to Loaded Mag’s Fully Loaded Transfer Show on Youtube.

He said: "I think Alvarez is one to keep an eye on. West Ham are looking at him because Declan Rice is going to leave for Chelsea in the summer."

Imagine him & Paqueta

Alvarez has been highlighted as a potential replacement to the likely departing Rice, who has become the Hammers’ most coveted asset across the last few years.

One of the most integral and industrious cogs in the Ajax system, the £30.8m-rated midfielder has made 19 appearances this term, scoring a goal and providing two assists.

As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old has recorded a commendable average rating of 7.21 this term in the Dutch Eredivisie, making 2.2 tackles and 2.5 clearances per outing, sweeping aside the opposition's advances and recycling possession for his formidable outfit, impressing with his creative flair by completing 88% of his passes and making 1.2 key passes per fixture.

His anchoring approach to his midfield play could meld with that of the Hammers' marquee summer signing Lucas Paqueta, who arrived from Olympique Lyonnais in a lucrative £51m deal after dazzling in the French Ligue 1, grabbing nine goals and six assists from 35 appearances in a stunning season.

This teerm, he has not quite hit the ground running as Moyes' east London outfit fail to clinch a rich vein of form, having failed to find the back of the net and assisting three times from 16 showings.

However, with the signing of Alvarez for years to come, Paqueta could have a partner that he could form a deadly partnership with.

The Mexican Alvarez, lauded for his "tenacious" attitude by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would be a stellar addition to a West Ham side in desperate need of reinvigorating, and with Rice potentially leaving, he would indeed be the perfect partner for Paqueta.