West Ham United are keen on keeping goalkeeper Alphonse Areola at the club next season but will look for another loan deal rather than a permanent transfer
That’s according to Jeunes Footeux, who say the Hammers want to avoid the €13m clause included in his current loan deal.
Areola joined West Ham on loan from Paris Saint Germain in the summer as competition for Lukasz Fabianski and has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far, although only one of them has come in the Premier League.
It seems, however, despite those numbers, he has made a positive impression, and West Ham are keen to keep him.
Jeunes Footeux say that the €13m option is ‘not expected to be exercised’, and David Moyes and co have a different plan in mind.
The decision is dependent on where West Ham finish this season, with them currently sitting seventh in the table but dreaming of a higher finish and European football.
The qualifying places for UEFA’s competitions could extend to eighth this year, and qualification would ‘bring more financial means’ and give them the option of using the clause to get Areola.
The Frenchman would be more than happy with that as he is happy in London with his wife; something that could weigh in the Hammers’ favour.
Whether PSG will sanction another loan move isn’t clear, but it is stated that ‘it would be wise to do so’, particularly if they can include an automatic purchase option in a deal.
Discussions will be held soon either way, and the idea is to have them ‘settled early enough’ so Areola can be a part of West Ham’s pre-season, for him to eventually replace Fabianski when he retires.
