Olympiacos Confirm Pursuit of West Ham's Edson Álvarez as Talks Shift Toward Permanent Deal

According to a report by Nikos Kotsis of Sport24.gr, Olympiacos have entered into concrete negotiations with EFL Championship side West Ham United over a possible transfer for Edson Álvarez this summer. 

The Red and Whites have turned their entire attention and resources to the Mexican national team captain now after losing out on the race to sign Gustavo Puerta from Racing de Santander. 

Initially, Olympiacos began talks with West Ham about a potential loan move for Álvarez, but now it is being reported that the Greek giants are actively pursuing a permanent signing of the defensive midfielder. While the 28-year-old is a totally different player with distinct technical abilities compared to Puerta, he will nonetheless be a fine addition to a midfield in need of new faces.

Álvarez has been left out by West Ham in their recent matchday squads in both the English second division and the EFL Cup, as The Hammerers continue to find a solution for his departure. The Mexican international is aware of the developments in Piraeus regarding a strong interest in acquiring his services, especially after the signing of fellow countryman Armando 'La Hormiga' Gonzalez from Liga MX outfit Chivas de Guadalajara. 

West Ham have set an asking price of €14 million for Álvarez, and there was reportedly a rumoured offer of €8 million from Olympiacos. This bid for a permanent transfer is unconfirmed as of now, but Thrylos have sent a loan proposal to the London-based club, and it remains to be seen whether an obligation or option-to-buy clause is inserted into the deal. 

The former Ajax man appeared as a potential summer signing for Olympiacos when rumours pertaining to Santiago Hezze's exit from the club circulated in the media. While the Argentine midfielder's future is yet to be sorted out, it is finally time for the Red and Whites to seal the deal for at least one of their targets following snubs by Puerta and Cristian Casseres Jr. 

Elsewhere, Olympiacos have virtually secured the signing of Marcus Holmgren Pedersen from Torino. Wolfsburg's Joakim Maehle was the primary option for the right-back role, but negotiations with the German club turned out to be a tedious affair due to a huge gap between the two sides' respective valuations for the Dane. 

An €8 million deal is agreed between Olympiacos and the Serie A side for Pedersen's transfer as the Norwegian is expected to fly to Athens soon to officially put pen to paper on the contract.