Ajax boss confirms Edson Alvarez wanted Chelsea move

Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder has revealed that Edson Alvarez wanted to join Chelsea.

The Blues were believed to had a £43m offer turned down on the penultimate day of the summer transfer window, and although talks continued on deadline day, Ajax blocked a potential departure for Alvarez.

Schreuder felt that his side had already sold too many players in the transfer window, while the Dutch transfer window closed a day earlier, which prevented Ajax from signing a replacement.

However, the Ajax boss has disclosed that the Mexico international was keen to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to ESPN, Schreuder said: "Chelsea reported themselves for Edson Alvarez on the final day and Alvarez wanted this.

"For one day he was feeling very down by yesterday he told me: 'Coach, I am here and I will give 100% again'."

With Ajax unwilling to let the 24-year-old leave, Chelsea moved to sign Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus, although the Blues could still try to sign Alvarez in January.