Fresh Alphonse Areola fears look to be unfounded as West Ham close on their new number one for the next five years.
It was over five weeks ago that The Times reported West Ham were putting the finishes touches to the permanent signing of Areola, who shone on loan from PSG last season.
So it is understandable – given West Ham have had the France international in the building for the last year – that Hammers fans have been concerned that the deal is yet to be announced.
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Particularly after the widely publicised interest from newly minted Newcastle United has loomed large over proceedings of late.
The Daily Mail claimed recently that Newcastle entering the race for Areola had stalled discussions between West Ham and the Frenchman.
David Moyes used Areola as his number two/cup goalkeeper behind the ageing Lukasz Fabianski last season.
And that sparked fears Areola may choose Newcastle over West Ham if he is given assurances that he will be number one at St James’s Park.
According to a West Ham insider speaking to Claret and Hugh, West Ham boss Moyes is also willing to give Areola assurances he can be the number one.
Nevertheless the Newcastle interest has been more than a distraction for West Ham fans anxious to see the giant World Cup winner come to east London permanently from PSG.
West Ham saw off Newcastle interest to sign Nayef Aguerd this week.
But fresh Areola fears are unfounded as West Ham close on their new number one for the next five years.
Last night insiders Claret and Hugh raised concerns over the goalkeeper situation in an article titled ‘Hammers keeper problem appears to have worsened’.
The article cited the fact that alleged West Ham targets Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone had signed for Newcastle and Crystal Palace as cause for concern.
“The option to buy Areola permanently expires at the end of the month so the Hammers really need to get a move on,” Claret and Hugh state.
But it seems the concerns will thankfully prove unfounded because West Ham are closing on Areola who can be the club’s new number one for at least the next five years.
The Athletic reported last night that the Areola announcement is imminent.
“A second acquisition seems imminent with West Ham close to finalising the permanent signing of Alphonse Areola,” The Athletic reports.
“The goalkeeper impressed during his loan spell from Paris Saint-Germain last season. Despite being Lukasz Fabianski’s understudy, Areola kept eight clean sheets in 16 cup appearances. His display in the 2-0 win over Sevilla in the last 16 of the Europa League particularly caught the eye.
“When the 29-year-old signed last summer, two clauses were inserted in the deal: West Ham had the option to re-sign the France international on loan for next season or activate the £11 million clause. They have decided to do the latter and are close to completing the deal, despite the goalkeeper having late interest from Newcastle United.”
If anything the fact Pope and Johnstone have signed for others clubs – particularly in the case of Newcastle – suggests West Ham have got the Areola deal in the bag.
More good news on the transfer front and a hugely encouraging start to what will be an extremely busy summer for Moyes.