The 27-year-old Edson Alvarez played 146 games for Ajax between 2019 and 2023, after which he left the Amsterdam giants for Premier League outfit West Ham.
Ajax have been looking for a new defensive midfielder since the departure of last season's captain, Jordan Henderson. The English international terminated his contract at Ajax before joining Brentford.
Henderson's departure left a gap in Ajax's midfield, which misses a controlling midfielder and saw 17-year-old Jorthy Mokio and attacking-minded midfielder Davy Klaassen fill the position. According to Voetbal International, Ajax are looking for a player with experience and leadership qualities for the position.
According to several Dutch reports, Ajax have made Alvarez their top priority and want to let the Mexican midfielder return to Ajax on a one-year loan deal. That way, Alvarez would not obstruct Jorthy Mokio in his development.
If a loan move for Alvarez looks out of reach, Nemanja Matic is reportedly the top alternative following his release from Olympique Lyon.
Brobbey on the way out
In order for a loan deal to materialise, Ajax would have to sell players first. The club are still working on moves for Sivert Mannsverk, who's linked to Wrexham, and Ahmetcan Kaplan, who's gathered interest from several foreign clubs.
Striker Brian Brobbey is also free to leave the club and is reportedly targeted by AS Roma and several clubs from Saudi Arabia.