With just days to go before the start of the new Premier League season, West Ham have finally signed their first player of the summer with the confirmation that Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez has joined from Ajax on a five-year contract.

Alvarez has been signed as a replacement for Declan Rice who was sold to Arsenal in a club-record deal worth over 100 million Pounds.

Confirming his arrival in London, Alvarez said: “I am very happy and very proud to be here.

“Being here in London and seeing London Stadium, it’s amazing. I can’t wait to play here in front of the West Ham fans.

“It’s a hugely sentimental moment for me in my career. To join a club like West Ham is a dream for me and my family.”

It is widely expected that West Ham will announce a couple more signings before their first game of the season, with James Ward-Prowse from Southampton and Harry Maguire from Manchester United, both expected through the door shortly.

Alvarez joins The Hammers after four years in Amsterdam where he played 98 games for Ajax and scored 10 goals. He has also won 68 caps for his country.

West Ham opens their Premier League campaign on Saturday with a trip to Bournemouth.