Alphonse Areola remains in negotiations with the Hammers who are trying to sign the France international on a five years deal.
His loan spell with the club officially concludes at the end of the month and at the same time, the option for the Hammers to sign him expires.
Thus far the two sides have failed to agree personal terms on the keeper’s hefty wages with an £11 million fee agreed between the clubs.
It means that the Irons have nine more days to conclude a deal to sign Areola, or they will see their transfer plans thrown into some trouble.
West Ham could see a formal bid rejected by PSG after that date, while other targets appear to be heading elsewhere: Sam Johnstone has recently joined Crystal Palace, having been an option that was explored by the Irons.
Nick Pope’s future is also up in the air amid links with Newcastle, who are also said to be interested in Areola. It seems that they want a new goalkeeper this summer.
There’s a real question mark over whether Areola is going to stay with the Hammers, but we do know that David Moyes is keen to keep him.
The clock is ticking. A decision must be made.
Why bother with him ? Pope is English young and better.
But older than Areola and a lot more expensive
Older than Areola and, at least imo, not as good. That is why we are bothering.
Areola looks good to me. His wages may be high but he’s served his ‘apprenticeship’ for us and seems to fit in. Fabianski’s been great but maybe it’s Areola’s time.
Areola gets my vote, he is a very good keeper, has been patient and mature, he’s a good age for a keeper. Nick Pope is very good too but I believe Newcastle will grab him. Areola is virtually ours at this moment, until end of June, no competition.
Well at least we have dodged the Sam Johnstone bullet. I wasn’t aware he had signed for Palace until I read your piece.
Appalling goalkeeper imo.