West Ham are close to signing Alphonse Areola on loan with an option to buy the goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain next summer.
David Moyes is keen to add competition for his No 1 goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski, and Areola, who is out of favour at PSG after the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, has emerged as his top target. The 28-year-old has agreed personal terms and has travelled to London to undergo a medical.
West Ham had previously considered West Brom’s Sam Johnstone, only to balk at the Championship club’s asking price for the England international. The east London club feel that Areola represents better value on loan, even though they initially had reservations over the France international’s high wages.
West Ham’s goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, has long admired Areola, who boasts impressive pedigree. Areola impressed on loan at Fulham last season, even though he was unable to prevent their relegation from the Premier League, and has had spells at Real Madrid and Villarreal.
Moyes needs to plan for life after Fabianski. The 36-year-old has been excellent for West Ham since joining from Swansea three years ago but he has struggled with injuries at times.
West Ham’s business would not be over with Areola’s arrival. Moyes wants additions in central defence, midfield and attack. West Ham have looked at the Lille centre-back Sven Botman and the Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham, who is likely to prove too expensive at £40m. Another potential attacking target could be Slavia Prague’s Abdallah Sima.
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Moyes, who shortlisted the Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral earlier this summer, has not given up hope of signing Jesse Lingard from Manchester United. Lingard had an excellent spell on loan at West Ham last season. However United could decide to keep the 28-year-old, even though he has one year on his contract.
