Journalist: West Ham want to sign Alphonse Areola permanently but on lower wages

Mon 23 May 2022 8:00, UK

West Ham United are closing in on completing a permanent move for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, according to 90min.

The report also stated that Fulham, who have gained promotion back to the Premier League, were interested in signing Areola but dropped their interest after knowing that the French international is keener on securing a permanent move to the Irons.

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) goalkeeper arrived at the start of the season with Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma barring him from any game time in the French capital.

💥 My colleagues @SeanDZWalsh and @GraemeBailey confirming Fulham are moving on from Alphonse Areola and Manor Solomon deal is off.

Updates to come on #WHUFC transfer activity but club want Areola to stay – albeit on reduced wages. ⚒️@90min_Football https://t.co/kEBpsaGpG5
— Toby Cudworth (@Toby_Cudworth) May 22, 2022

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According to renowned journalist Toby Cudworth, the Hammers want to permanently keep the French International at the club but on reduced wages.

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West Ham are believed to have an option to buy the Paris-born for £10million in the summer.

Future number one?

Areola first arrived in Premier League was back in the 2020-21 season on loan at Craven Cottage for Fulham where he couldn’t save the Whites from relegation but left a lasting impression.

The French international is currently on loan to West Ham but has been unable to dislodge Lukasz Fabianski as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

The former Los Blancos goalkeeper has instead been restricted to appearances in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions.

As for Areola, he reminded West Ham’s supporters of what he is capable of after making an incredible close-range save from Youssef En-Nesyri in the Europa League last-16 clash against Spanish club Sevilla.

That stop proved pivotal as the Hammers sensationally turned things around against six-time winners to secure a 2-1 win on aggregate, setting up a quarter-final tie with Lyon.

In his 18 appearances for West Ham this season in all competitions, Areola conceded eight goals.

In other West Ham news, Martin Samuel has responded to the latest West Ham London Stadium developments dubbing it the “deal of the century”.

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