West Ham have reportedly reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain to sign Alphonse Areola.
The Hammers have seemingly been negotiating the deal for some time after it was revealed the east Londoners wanted to include an option to buy whilst PSG hoped to reach an immediate sale.
However, it would seem those differences have been compromised on and the Irons have indeed landed the 28-year-old French stopper.
That’s according to a report from reputable French outlet L’Equipe, as cited by Football Transfers on Twitter.
Twitter:
BREAKING: PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola
is in London for a medical with West Ham.
#WHUFC
(via Sky
) (@Transferzone00)
The report claims Areola will join David Moyes’ side for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign before the Hammers decide whether to make the deal for the three-cap ace permanent.
Despite being unable to prevent relegation at Fulham last term, the World Cup winner earned an average Sofascore rating of 6.94 from 36 outings – higher than the 6.84 rated Lukasz Fabianski.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Valued t £15.3million (Transfermarkt), Areola will be entering the final 12 months of a contract in Paris at the end of the upcoming season – leaving the door open to a possible bargain buy.
Albeit often the understudy in the French capital and for the national side, the former Real Madrid ace has amassed 266 senior club appearances during a distinguished career to date.
As Moyes prepares a side ready to embark on the Europa League, Areola’s experience in the UEFA Champions League could prove to be invaluable.
With the Frenchman seemingly through the door and Fabiankski, Darren Randolph and David Martin already in situ, it will be interesting to see who pulls on the number one shirt at St. James’ Park in two weeks time.
