Edson Alvarez is ‘most logical replacement’ for Declan Rice as West Ham transfer conundrum continues

West Ham fans were on top of the world back in early June.

The Hammers returned from Prague with the Europa Conference League and, despite a disappointing domestic campaign, supporters were buzzing to have ended a long wait for silverware.

Fast forward to the present day, and the memorable evening at the Fortuna Arena is a bygone memory.

Declan Rice, who captained the Hammers to glory in June, has departed for Arsenal and, despite receiving a hefty fee for the England international, West Ham are yet to reinvest in the squad.

They have attempted to fill the void left by Rice's departure, that goes without saying.

West Ham have been linked with an abundance of central midfielders, ranging from James Ward-Prowse and Scott McTominay, to Conor Gallagher and Edson Alvarez. And yet, the Hammers have been rebuffed in their efforts to add to the midfield.

Southampton are standing firm of their £50million valuation of captain Ward-Prowse despite their relegation, yet of the four rumoured targets for David Moyes' side, the consensus is that Alvarez is the most like-for-like replacement for Rice.

Borussia Dortmund had been credited with an interest in the Mexican, who has since emerged as a target for Chelsea, and for good reason.

Only Arsenal newboy Jurrien Timber (80.2) averaged more passes per game than Alvarez (77.3) in the Eredivisie last season, with the 25-year-old more than capable of finding a teammate once he has won possession.

Crucially Alvarez isn't one to shy away from his defensive responsibilities. The Mexico international chipped in with 2.5 tackles per 90 in the Eredivisie last season, and returned a modest 71.7% tackle success rate.

No player received more in the Eredivisie last season (10) that is a further testament to