The Times claim West Ham have made a decision on Alphonse Areola and reported target Nick Pope as David Moyes closes in on his first signing.
West Ham appeared to have a big decision to make on whether to make Areola’s loan move from PSG permanent or push to try and sign relegated Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.
West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for Pope, who was a shining light for Burnley despite their relegation.
The decision for West Ham was complicated by Areola’s big wages and Pope’s big reported transfer fee.
But now The Times claims West Ham have finalised a decision on Areola and reported target Pope as Moyes closes in on his first signing.
According to The Times West Ham will sign Areola, who has become a firm favourite at the club, permanently rather than move for Pope.
The Times: West Ham finalise on Alphonse Areola and reported target Nick Pope as David Moyes closes in on signing
The report states that Areola is on £130,000 per week at PSG but will only cost West Ham £10.5m.
Pope’s wages would be less but the transfer outlay possible double.
Now The Times claims West Ham have a preference for Areola and will push ahead to sign him permanently with a view to the France international transitioning to succeed 37-year-old Lukasz Fabianski over as number one.
“West Ham United are expected to make goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s loan move permanent in preference to a move for Nick Pope, of Burnley,” The Times reports.
“Areola, 29, has a year left on his contract at Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham have the option to trigger a clause to sign him for about £10.5 million or try to negotiate a deal at a lower price.
“West Ham had envisaged that Areola, who earned around £130,000 a week at PSG, would eventually swap places with Lukasz Fabianski, 37, their first choice, who is out of contract in the summer but is expected to be offered a one-year extension. Areola has played only one league game for West Ham but helped the club to the Europa League semi-finals.”
It seems Areola looks likely to become West Ham’s first signing of what will be a busy summer as Moyes closes in.
West Ham will need to sign at least six or seven quality players to continue to compete for the top six as they have done the last couple of seasons.
Getting Areola signed up permanently early doors would be a great way to start.