West Ham are reportedly closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window as goalkeeper Alphonse Areola looks set to arrive on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French shot-stopper spent last season on loan with David Moyes ’ side, making 18 appearances for the club across all competitions with the majority coming during the Hammers ’ run to the semi-finals of the Europa League. In the Premier League, Areola regularly played second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski, though with the Polish international recently turning 37 the club are hoping Areola can step up to be number one.
That will depend on West Ham getting a deal done with PSG for Areola’s signature, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggesting on Tuesday that the English club were willing to pay the £7.5million fee that would automatically secure his permanent signing. Romano also said that direct contact between the Hammers and Areola’s agents would take place this week, meaning a deal could be finalised soon.
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Areola is currently away with the French national team preparing for their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Denmark, Croatia and Austria. The goalkeeper is the only member of the West Ham dressing from last season to be called up, with Kurt Zouma ’s last cap for Les Bleus coming in 2021 while Issa Diop is yet to make the grade for the senior side having represented France from Under-16 level all the way to Under-21.
Speaking last November about settling into life at West Ham, Areola said having French-speaking players in the dressing room such as Zouma and Diop has been a big help for him. He said: " Everyone welcomed me really well. I was really happy to sign for West Ham the guys just welcomed me very well. We have a little group of French [speaking] players and that helps a lot. I feel confident with this group. We have a good group and I think we are here for one thing, to win every single game. I think we can go far in our campaigns."
As well as chasing Areola’s signature, West Ham are also hoping to boost their ranks with several other summer signings to give them the best possible chance of competing on all fronts again next season. Chelsea striker Armando Broja has been regularly linked with the club following his impressive loan spell at Southampton last season while the Hammers are also reportedly hoping to offer Emmanuel Dennis a way out of relegated Watford.
There are also continued links with former loan player Jesse Lingard. The Manchester United forward is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer as his contract expires following a frustrating season where his chances were fleeting under Ole Gunnar Solsjaer and Ralf Rangnick. The Red Devils soured the mood further by blocking a move to Newcastle for Lingard in January, though the Magpies’ loss could be West Ham’s gain if a deal can be struck to bring him to the London Stadium.
