Gianluigi Buffon may indirectly help Newcastle United in signing Rafael Benitez’s long-term transfer target, Alphonse Areola.
Buffon has played his last match for Juventus and the goalkeeper has already confirmed he will leave Serie A this summer. The World Cup winner with Italy is edging closer to joining Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal.
His arrival at Parc des Princes will see new PSG manager Thomas Tuchel have the services of Buffon, Areola and Kevin Trapp. Paris United earlier reported the Frenchman sees the signing of Juventus legend as an opportunity to learn from him to further improve his game.
But, according to today’s edition of French newspaper L’Equipe, Areola has expressed his unhappiness in private over PSG’s decision to sign Buffon. This has also raised doubts over his future at the club.
Areola’s contract with his current employers runs down in 2019. He will meet Tuchel to discuss his future and the report claims the goalkeeper will not sign an extension if the doubts regarding his future cannot be clarified in the coming days.
His desire is stay in Paris and continue with PSG, but not if that means sitting on the bench. Areola is concerned that even if he starts the season as first choice, the presence of Buffon would mean a mistake could see him dropped.
Newcastle United have long been interested in Areola. Rafael Benitez wanted to sign him last summer, but the player decided against making a move to England.
However, that hasn’t stopped Newcastle and Benitez in making efforts to sign Areola. France Football earlier reported the Spaniard has already held talks with the keeper ‘several times’.
The Tyneside club are looking to bring a new goalkeeper to the club this summer. The ex-Liverpool boss signed Martin Dubravka on loan from Sparta Prague in January. Newcastle have an option of signing Dubravka on a permanent deal this summer, but nothing is finalised yet.
L’Equipe reiterate the Newcastle interest, which seems genuine, and say Benitez ‘still appreciates the Frenchman’. With the efforts from the Spanish manager, and the expected arrival of Buffon, Areola has a lot to think about.
