Dean Jones moots ‘tempting’ Chelsea transfer for ‘frustrated’ West Ham United star Alphonse Areola
It wouldn’t be surprising if Chelsea made a move for West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The potential transfer could come about if Areola was “suddenly frustrated” at playing second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski.
The former has made 17 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions this season, with the latter making 10 so far.
“The signs that I’ve had are that Arsenal would not loan Ramsdale to a rival, particularly someone like Chelsea and could Chelsea go and buy Aaron Ramsdale?” Jones told GIVEMESPORT (23 December). “I’m not so sure.”
“There are a few other goalkeeper situations opening up around the Premier League that might become tempting. You look at Areola for example.
“Suddenly Lukasz Fabianski is back in favour, and I think if Areola was suddenly frustrated about his situation at West Ham, it wouldn’t surprise me if someone like Chelsea was to knock on the door. But yeah, there needs to be something happening in that goalkeeper area.”
Hammers exit?
Veteran goalkeeper Fabianski was the number one at the London Stadium under David Moyes last season, with the Pole representing the club in the Premier League more often than not.
That allowed Areola to play in Europe, but that situation has reversed this time around, with the French ace Moyes’s number one for the majority of the current league campaign.
But given Chelsea’s struggles in that area, a January swoop for Areola can never be ruled out, with Stamford Bridge undoubtedly an attractive place to play despite the current issues in West London.
It would, of course, be a quick trip for Areola should he move from East to West London, but Hammers supporters would simply never forgive the goalkeeper should he make the switch to Chelsea.
Moyes needs both goalkeepers to be on top form and to constantly be pushing each other for the number one spot, so keeping Areola at the club should be a priority next month.
In other West Ham news, a striker that the Hammers want to sign has been exiled by his current club.