Alphonse Areola may have blown his chance of becoming the established Hammer No 2 keeper next season with his performance this afternoon against Kidderminster.
It may be a tad unfair to single him out on a game where there were so many sub standard displays but his inability to make a decisive catch when coming off his line in a move which led to the first goal was poor.
He also produced a big extra time error which could easily have led to a second goal and given he is on very big money at Paris St Germain the 28 year old could find himself back in France next season.
It’s not been his first uncertain display and it looks more than likely the Irons will move for West Brom and England keeper Sam Johnstone who is on a free in the summer and given he is represented by a favourite David Sullivan agent this is one that looks more than possible.
The agent concerned is Will Salthouse whose Unique Sports Agency also represents Michail Antonio and fellow Hammers Aaron Cresswell, Ryan Fredericks and Darren Randolph.
David Moyes is a big admirer of the Baggies keeper and this looks one that could easily happen early in the summer.
Totally agree Areola has had a few dodgy ones coming for a cross. For me he is a good shot stopper and his distribution is good, but to be a top 6 or 4 team we can’t have a keeper who could cost us points other clubs won’t take long to see weaknesses in his game. Having said that he is a half decent no 2
Get Henderson from Manure. He is unhappy there and wants to leave. Better keeper than Johnstone.
Obviously sullivan and moyes if true hasn’t been watching Johnson at west brom when he plays ! If you think one game that everyone played poorly bar rice then that’s a strange way to fancy a keeper like Johnson who the only thing better than areola ids his on a free?
Our DoF, Will Salthouse
To be fair there are not many GK’s around who would’ve got to that cross- he would’ve had to barge 2/3 players out of the way first.
Maybe should have stayed on line then
I don’t see it at all, Areola is a great keeper. If you look at the first goal yesterday you could blame Diop and Fredericks (surprise surprise) more than Areola. I think he is class and I would prefer him to Henderson of United as he looks very weak. The conditions were tough yesterday and some of corners Kiddy took and put right under the crossbar he dealt with brilliant, I like him a lot. If Fab is staying then Areola is great for him to put competition on him. We have other positions that are more urgent to fill during the window i.e. CB, LB, CM, AM and STRIKER !!!!! There are a number of players out of contract like Fredericks, Noble and Yarmo plus we will not sign Kral and I expect players like Randolph, Diop and Masuaka will be sold. I hope Ogbonna stays and signs a new contract.
Rarely find myself agreeing with you Johnham, but spot on mate!
Areola has proven to be a premiership standard keeper, cat like reactions, commands his box better than Fab, good distribution etc.
Yesterdays game wasn’t his best performance, but look at the D in front of him?
Plus as said, apart from Rice… who did look good?
I like Sam Johnstone, certainly better than Henderson.
However, IF Johnstone is on a free and Areola is going to cost £12mil. I can guess which one will be with West Ham next season…..
With the age of Fabianski think we should be looking to the future now. I think Areola has potential to be number one keeper next season. Get rid of Randolph and Martin then bring in Johnstone to compete with Areola and Fabianski.