AC Milan are plotting a swap deal involving Ruben Loftus-Cheek and West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez, according to MilanIive.it.
Milan coach Paulo Fonseca recently changed formation to a 4-4-2, which has led to Loftus-Cheek being dropped, and the Englishman could be sold to a Premier League club in the winter or summer transfer window.
The Rossoneri need a different profile in midfield. “It is no secret that Milan is looking for a midfielder, a player who can play in front of the defence with greater ease,” the report claims.
Milan’s centre has been crying out for a defensive midfielder to sit and break up opposition attacks. Despite stacking Tijjani Reijnders, Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah, and Loftus-Cheek, they need an anchor.
Milan have several targets, one of them being West Ham man Alvarez. The Mexican is the sort of midfielder they desperately need, and they will offer Loftus-Cheek to Milan.
This season, Alvarez has struggled after returning from the hamstring injury he suffered in the middle of the Copa America over the summer. He barely had any pre-season and looks off the boil.
His performances this term have been atrocious, and the Chelsea match comes to mind. The 26-year-old was caught multiple times in no man’s land against Nicolas Jackson.
Manager Julen Lopetegui dropped the former Ajax star for their 4-1 win over Ipswich Town over the weekend. The team didn’t miss his absence from the XI.
The manager may cash in on the midfielder for a potential upgrade – someone who provides more control. However, in his final season at Ajax, he showed he could function as a tempo-setter, and Lopetegui could allow him to ride out this bad patch before reinstalling him in the XI.
Whatever happens, West Ham must reject a deal including Loftus-Cheek. His injury record and lack of end product are not worth the fuss. He can drive with the ball, and that’s about it. Milan need to find somewhere else to dump their unwanted star.
