West Ham United are in a ‘position of strength’ in their bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
That’s the exciting new claim emerging from France overnight.
Lukasz Fabianski has been the undisputed number one goalkeeper at West Ham since 2018, racking up over 100 appearances.
The Poland international is regarded one of the best West Ham goalkeepers of the modern era.
Moyes linked with Areola as long-term successor to Fabianski
But the Hammers stopper isn’t getting any younger and turns 37 next season.
Fabianski has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons and his kicking has been affected.
His deputy, Darren Randolph, has had his own injury problems.
It is widely reported that West Ham boss David Moyes has been looking to sign a long-term successor to Fabianski.
New report from France claims West Ham are in ‘position of strength’ to capture PSG star
And with the extra European games next season now would be the perfect time to do it so as to share the workload with the new long term number one.
The Hammers have been linked with Areola – who shone on loan at Fulham last season – for some time (Sky Sports).
Now RMC, Get French Football News and Goal.com are claiming that West Ham are holding all the cards in their bid for the French World Cup winner.
“West Ham continue, very slowly, negotiations with PSG for Alphonse Areola,” the translated reports state (RMC, Get French Football News and Goal.com).
“Premier League club not in a hurry as they know they are in a position of strength as Les Parisiens have no other concrete offers.”
Why Areola would be a top class signing
Areola was top class for the Cottagers last season.
Without him Fulham would have been relegated long before they actually were.
West Ham cannot risk going into the season with two injury-prone goalkeepers. Hammers fans will remember only too well what happened the last time Fabianski had a long spell out, the disastrous Roberto almost saw them relegated.
Fans will be excited by Areola. Getting the first proper signing of the summer through the door will placate supporters who are worried about the club’s lack of activity.
And according to well informed West Ham insiders the club are closing on two new signings.
In other news, Moyes fired not so subtle warning to West Ham owners over transfers.
And ExWHUemployee delivers verdict on potential West Ham free transfer signing.
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