Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez has acknowledged that he is relieved to have not signed for Chelsea last summer.

During the closing days of the transfer window, Chelsea were attempting to sign a new defensive midfielder as the club's new owners looked to make a statement in the market.

The Blues had been keen on securing a deal for Alvarez, only for Ajax to continually reject attempts from the Premier League giants, partly a result of already cashing in on Antony.

At the time, it was no secret that the Mexico international had been left disappointed that he had been denied the chance to move to the West Londoners.

Alvarez has since participated in what proved to be a dismal campaign for Ajax, the Dutch side only finishing in third spot in the Eredivisie, losing the KNVB Beker final to PSV Eindhoven and suffering early exits in the Champions League group stages and Europa League knockout rounds.

However, Chelsea have also endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory, only finishing in 12th position in the Premier League and missing out on European qualification for 2023-24.

Although it is plausible that Alvarez could have made a notable difference to Chelsea's fortunes, witnessing their demise since last September has led to the 25-year-old no longer being rueful over his failed transfer.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Alvarez said: "At first, because it felt like a mental challenge. Still, I turned the switch again afterwards, because Ajax is also a big club.

"I also believe that everything in life happens for a reason. If you see Chelsea's season now, for example, also with all kinds of problems, then maybe it should have been that way. And this season, however difficult, has also been educational for me."

Alvarez has been heavily linked with a switch to Borussia Dortmund, Edin Terzic needing to be in the market for a possible replacement for Jude Bellingham.

Speaking in the same interview, Alvarez admitted that it "could be the right time to take the next step in his career", albeit without hinting that a move could be close.

Alvarez, who can also play at centre-back, made 42 starts and two substitute appearances for Ajax in all competitions this campaign, taking him to 147 appearances since moving to Amsterdam in 2019.

Just over two years remain on his contract and it appears highly unlikely that he will consider a renewal as he looks to take a new challenge. body check tags ::