New goalkeeper not a priority for West Ham despite Alphonse Areola talks
West Ham United are interested in Paris Saint-Germain and France goalkeeper Alphonse Areola but he is not seen as a priority signing, according to ExWHUemployee.
Areola, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, has attracted the attention of a number of clubs, including multiple Premier League sides, but West Ham would prefer a loan deal whereas PSG want to sell.
Furthermore, while West Ham’s interest dates back to April, the Hammers are assessing their options with other positions on the pitch seen as more of a priority, but an attractive package for Areola could result in things changing quickly, yet a deal is not currently close.
Writing on his Patreon page, trusted source ExWHUemployee said: “I believe that there has been interest in this player for a while as I reported it in April.
“I think his agent has been sending around his availability to lots of clubs. These clubs also include a number of other teams in England.
“We have listened to the potential offer for the player. We will then weigh up the option of signing him but we would prefer a loan deal with a small financial commitment and PSG want to sell.
“If we then was to sign, we would pay a larger bulk fee.
“I have been told by the club that goalkeeper is not the priority position.”
A good option?
As long-time number one Lukasz Fabiański enters the last year of his contract, a move for Areola would make sense.
Fabiański will turn 37 next season and while he has been a reliable goalkeeper since his £7million move from Swansea City in 2018, making more than 100 appearances, he has struggled at times with injury over the past two seasons, missing 16 league games across the two campaigns.
Areola, just 28, meanwhile impressed at relegated Fulham last year with nine clean sheets in the Cottagers’ miserable season being an extremely impressive return. The French stopper could also be a potential Hugo Lloris successor for the France number one spot and his former clubs include Real Madrid and Villarreal.
West Ham’s backup ‘keepers Darren Randolph and David Martin have often failed to convince in recent times so reliable competition for Fabiański would be welcomed at the London Stadium. However, if a deal could not be reached, Fabiański would most likely to be adept to keep the gloves for at least one more season and promising young academy goalkeeper Nathan Trott could provide further competition.
In other West Ham news, Kaveh Solhekol is just a 10-minute away from this Irons ace as he shared a huge transfer update.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.