Edson Álvarez is the defensive midfielder Ajax have been working to sign, but a transfer now doesn't seem likely.
Ajax have already signed six players this summer, but they could potentially sign another five before the transfer window closes, although that is reliant on players leaving.
Ajax are now closing in on a deal to sign 19-year-old left-back Jofre Torrents from Barcelona. Ajax want to sign Torrents on an initial free transfer, with performance bonuses worth up to €6 million. It is unclear whether Barcelona will agree to this.
Should Mika Godts depart, a new left winger will be signed. Ajax have identified Noa Lang as a top target and have held talks around a potential deal, but nothing is advanced as of now.
Michel Sanchez also wants a new right winger. Ajax had shown an interest in Barcelona's Roony Bardghji, but the Swedish winger suffered a serious injury and will be out for many months. A transfer has therefore been ruled out this summer.
A new right centre-back could also arrive if Josip Sutalo and Ko Itakura depart, while a new defensive midfielder is also a top priority.
Ajax scrambled to sign a new defensive midfielder at the end of the winter transfer window, but was unable to, despite seriously pursuing a transfer for Kodai Sano. It is, however, expected that the Amsterdammers will finally sign a No. 6 before the window closes in three weeks.
Ajax unlikely to sign Álvarez
Edson Álavarez was Ajax's top target this summer to strengthen the no. 6 position, but a transfer is now looking unlikely, despite various reports claiming he was keen on a return to Amsterdam.
In the AD Voetbal Podcast, journalist Johan Inan spoke on the chances of Álvarez returning to the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
"I don't think that chance is very big," Inan said when speaking on Álvarez moving to Ajax.
ExWHUEmployee has also reported that Álvarez could even stay with West Ham, despite their relegation to the Championship. The midfielder has formed a good relationship with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Who do Ajax turn to now?
Apart from Álvarez, it is unclear which defensive midfielders Ajax are interested in. The club did make a serious attempt to sign Dani Ceballos earlier in the window, but the Spanish midfielder opted against moving to the Dutch capital.
FC Groningen midfielder Stije Resink would have been the ideal signing in the middle of the park, but the former Almere City midfielder suffered a serious injury a few months ago and will be out for a while.
Ajax have a lot of technical quality in midfield. It is therefore important that they sign a defensive midfielder who is physical, dominant in duels and defensively strong.
