West Ham will not be looking to replace Alphonse Areola as a priority this summer.
The French goalkeeper made a costly error in the recent 2–2 draw against Bournemouth, fumbling the ball into the path of Evanilson — and his kicking has also come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
As a result, speculation has grown over Areola’s future at the club, with some suggesting that a new goalkeeper should be a top priority for the Hammers in the upcoming transfer window.
However, Claret & Hugh has learnt that replacing Areola is not a priority — and that comes directly from a source at the very top of the club.
When we asked if there was any truth to claims that the Hammers had been sounding out new goalkeepers ahead of next season, we were told: “It’s not a priority.”
The London Stadium insider added: “We’d be in breach of FFP rules — and anyway, we wouldn’t dump the keeper after one error.”
Whether this is simply smoke and mirrors remains to be seen, but Claret & Hugh was told by a transfer insider; “A significant bid is going in for Porto striker Samu Omoridion and it’s unlikely serious funds will be put aside for someone to stand between the sticks.”
That alone would suggest the club’s transfer focus lies elsewhere. So unless something drastic changes, expect Alphonse Areola to remain West Ham’s No.1 next season.
Put Areola to practice his footwork from now on until next season. 15-20 minutes after the regular training session.
He is a great shot stopper and would be the real thing of he could pass and cross on top of it.
How difficult could it be?
God I’m so sick of this club.
“Someone to stand between the sticks” – Do they not actually have a footballing brain cell?!
How are we putting a significant bid in for a striker (when Delap is going to be available for £40m) if we’re close to FFP. As Geo says on YouTube how can we be close to breaching FFP and yet bidding £50m for Duran… it doesn’t. I appriciate you’re just reporting what you’ve been told, but some of the stuff Sulli… I mean the London Stadium insider… just needs to be laughed at.
Neither Areola or Fabianski have nailed the number 1 shirt over the last two years. We desperately need a stable keeper, especially when we are so bluntless in attack.
Now the Gold shares have been freed up, I hope Sullivan takes the opportunity to sell up shop.
I Just don’t know what is the problem with WHU we have Areola and Foderingham for next season sorted Fabianski is out of contract so we will be saving one players wages. And every keeper makes an error now and then i see no real issue with Areola people forget when he makes a brilliant save only if he makes a mistake ridiculous.
“Someone to stand between the sticks”??
That just highlights how short sighted the club are. Goalkeeper is arguably the most important player on the pitch. His job is crucial to keep shots out and to link up play and start attacks. We are a Premier League side not a Sunday League outfit who just sticks anyone between the sticks. If Areola isn’t up to it he needs replacing as a matter of urgency.