Areola to be West Ham bargain with £10.2m option to buy already agreed
By Max Parsons
West Ham have been praised in recent times for conducting astute business in the transfer market. And it looks as though they’ve done it once again.
While goalkeeper Alphonse Areola only arrived at the London Stadium on loan in the summer, Hammers fans can breathe a sigh of relief at the fact that the Frenchman may be around on a permanent basis following the conclusion of his temporary spell.
That is because the Paris Saint-Germain ‘keeper’s deal with West Ham includes an option to buy following the conclusion of his deal in the summer of 2022, as confirmed by the club upon his arrival. The clause is also only expected to cost West Ham between £10.2million and £11million should they opt to activate it (Hammers News).
The 2018 World Cup winner has struggled to break into the PSG side and establish himself since coming through the youth ranks but has seemingly found a home in the Premier League. A sparkling loan spell at Fulham last season saw him earn the club’s Player of the Year award, while a strong start to his time at West Ham has endeared him to the east side of London, too.
Good news
The news of an option to make his stay at the London Stadium a permanent one is brilliant for West Ham. The 28-year-old has continued his strong form from last campaign into the new season and is so far yet to concede a goal for his new side.
He made his fourth appearance for the Hammers in the League Cup on Wednesday night. The goalkeeper caused raucous amongst the home fans for a breath-taking showing that shut out a Manchester City side who hadn’t lost in the competition for half a decade and who’d notched 13 goals in the four prior matches.
Making seven saves – of varying styles and from varying distances – Areola won WhoScored’s Man of the Match award as he impressively maintained a fourth consecutive clean sheet for the Hammers, who would eventually go on to beat City 5-3 on penalties on the night.
It’s abundantly clear that Areola is a goalkeeper worthy of a Premier League role and the title of long-term heir to Lukasz Fabianski between the West Ham sticks. Following an incredibly promising start with the club, the fans will be thrilled at the prospect of keeping him past the summer.
In other West Ham news, this is what Michail Antonio said to Cristian Romero in the win over Tottenham.
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