West Ham United are reportedly close to agreeing Edson Álvarez’s departure, with Real Sociedad now pushing towards a loan deal for the Mexico captain.
Álvarez asked West Ham to allow him to leave earlier thhe Spanish club, but negotiations have now moved another step forward.
The Times reports that West Ham are close to a deal to offload Álvarez to Real Sociedad, while reporting originating in Spain says the proposed move is expected to be a season-long loan.
Edson Alvarez edges closer to West Ham exit
The latest development follows several days of movement around the 28-year-old’s future.
ReadWestHam reported on Tuesday that Álvarez had asked West Ham to let him leave after Real Sociedad stepped up negotiations. The midfielder was also prepared to reduce his salary demands to help facilitate the transfer.
Álvarez was absent from Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad for the opening Championship draw at Burnley, further underlining his uncertain position in east London.
West Ham have already reshaped their midfield significantly this summer.
Arne Engels arrived for £22million from Celtic, while young pair Lewis Orford and Mohamadou Kanté started at Turf Moor. The Hammers are also being linked with another Championship midfielder, with ReadWestHam reporting on Wednesday that West Ham have an early advantage in the race for Watford’s Imrân Louza.
Álvarez spent last season on loan at Fenerbahçe before returning to West Ham this summer, but a permanent place in Nuno’s Championship plans has never looked likely.
Real Sociedad now appear to offer the clearest solution.
AS reports that Álvarez is among the Spanish club’s most advanced transfer targets as they attempt to strengthen before the window closes.
The exact financial structure still needs to be resolved, and neither club has announced an agreement.
But with Álvarez pushing for the move and West Ham now reportedly close to sanctioning his exit, another major departure from Nuno’s squad appears increasingly likely.
