Only one hurdle remains ahead of West Ham move as star’s PSG status confirmed
Paris Saint-Germain appear to be clearing the way to a permanent West Ham United move for Alphonse Areola, following a recent squad update.
Areola joined West Ham on a season-long loan from PSG last summer. The Frenchman has been a mainstay of the Hammers side during their Europa League campaign.
The east Londoners are one game away from making it to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time ever. A lot of thanks can go to Areola, among others, for maintaining that run.
The goalkeeper has been preferred to Lukasz Fabianski in the Europa League. Areola has kept four clean sheets, and has conceded just five goals in the competition.
West Ham have an option to buy the 29-year-old for a reported £11million before he returns to PSG. A return to the French giants seems all the less likely, following an update.
The PSG website states that youth goalkeeper Lucas Lavallee has extended his contract with the club until 2025. Furthermore, he has made first-team squads before, and that is likely to continue following the renewal.
As such, there may not be a place for Areola, should he return to France.
With that being said, it would seem a move to West Ham would be the logical move. David Moyes’ side are enjoying a successful period with the Frenchman in goal.
What’s more, Fabianski – West Ham’s preferred Premier League no.1 – is out of contract at the end of the season. There have been talks of a new contract for the goalkeeper, but nothing has been confirmed as yet.
As such, Areola could find himself starting in the league next season, should West Ham pull the trigger on the deal.
Fulham still have eyes on Areola move
It would appear that West Ham may have a clear shot at landing Areola. PSG are seemingly willing to let the goalkeeper depart, as they have other options in place already.
However, one potential stumbling block is interest from Fulham, who he spent the 2020/21 season with. The Championship high-flyers are apparently “confident” that they will be able to land the star.
As West Ham have an option to buy him from PSG, though, they remain in the driving seat.
Given his performances in a West Ham shirt, it is fair to assume that they are keen on activating that option.
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