West Ham ‘are close to completing £10.5m permanent transfer for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’

West Ham are on the verge of completing a permanent £10.5million capture of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain after the Hammers keeper enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.

Areola has been loaned out to several clubs since signing a professional contract with PSG in 2009, but thrived at West Ham last season – making 17 appearances for the side. That included 11 outings in the Europa League, before the club crashed out in the semi-finals against eventual winners Frankfurt.

Alphonse Areola is nearing completion on a £10.5m permanent transfer to West Ham United, according to reports

The Frenchman reportedly peeked the interest of Newcastle but interest cooled once the north-east side announced a deal for Nick Pope from Burnley.

Areola made just one Premier League start last season but his impressive form on the European stage means he is now expected to challenge West Ham and Poland number one Lukasz Fabianski in goal at the London Stadium.

The 29-year-old began his career with PSG in 2012, but has struggled to become a regular No 1 keeper and has instead been forced to gain experience on loan. 

The keeper has earned a permanent move to West Ham after impressive outings last season

The 29-year-old made 11 appearances in the Europa League last season as West Ham crashed out in the semi-finals following a penalty shootout with eventual winners Frankfurt

He has featured on loan for Real Madrid, Villareal, and Fulham over the past seven years and was keen on joining West Ham permanently after a successful season filling the number two spot at the club.

Manager David Moyes has wanted to add a goalkeeper to his side that could challenge Fabianski with Areola deemed the perfect appointment.

However Areola will have no easy task on his hands to uproot his teammates position in the team with Moyes previously stating last season:  ‘Lukasz has been the number one, Alphonse has played really well for us in the main.

Areola (right) will rival Polish veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (left) for the No.1 jersey

‘He’s got a great record, not conceded too many goals so we’re really pleased with Alphonse but Lukasz is still number one.’

His £10.5m move marks the completion of a second piece of summer business for West Ham after the club announced a £30m deal for centre-back Nayef Aguerd from Rennes.

The London club are expected to do more business once Areola puts pen to paper on his deal with Moyes keen to add a new striker with Michael Antonio the only currently recognised striker at the club.