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.
