West Ham star reveals shocking revelation about how he “was an hour away” from signing for London rivals.

Aside from persisting depth issues, last Summer was a rather successful one for West Ham despite losing Declan Rice. They spent the £100 million they got from his move to Arsenal was spent well with some real stars being bought in.

In particular, the two Ajax boys in Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez have been a real hit amongst the East London faithful. However, the latter almost never signed for the Hammers.

In an interview with Caliente TV, the midfielder revealed that he was extremely close to signing for West Ham’s rivals Chelsea at one point. “In year three [at Ajax], I had to go to Chelsea, the plane was waiting for me at the airport – then Ajax told me, ‘You know what: you’re not going’.” Alvarez revealed.

“Whether people believe it or not, it doesn’t make any difference to me, I’m the one who is here and the one who is living it. I was an hour away from getting on the plane and going to sign for Chelsea. Ajax told me: ‘You’re not going’. So, you’re not leaving, what do you do? There’s no way you’re leaving!”

While there’s every reason to believe what he’s saying is true, it is a bit of a bizarre thing to come out and say. He almost sounds upset that the deal collapsed and that he ended up at West Ham instead.

This is not the only deal of his that collapsed as just before the Hammers managed to secure his signature he was close to joining Borussia Dortmund.

Leaving these quotes aside, it’s clear the Mexican cares deeply about West Ham and he’s formed a real connection with the fans. He shows his passion on and off the pitch, displaying some real leadership qualities in the process. He’s been a crucial player this season, but you get the feeling this is only the beginning – he will be absolutely pivotal to any potential success that Julen Lopetegui may have over the coming season.