Sources: Areola tells friends he has ‘heart set’ on joining West Ham after bid tabled

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Published on:

16 Jul 2021, 10:30 am

French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has told friends he has his heart set on joining West Ham, Football Insider can reveal.

The Hammers are working on a loan deal for the 28-year-old after his impressive spell on loan at Fulham last season.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that West Ham are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for Areola, who has told his inner circle he wants to join.

That is a huge boost to West Ham manager David Moyes as he looks to finalise his club’s first senior summer signing.

The Londoners have tabled a loan bid for the keeper that includes an option to buy at the end of the season.

PSG value Areola, who has a contract that runs until 2023, at around the £15m mark.

West Ham are in the market for a proven goalkeeper who can provide cover and competition for established number one Lukasz Fabianski.

They also have a strong interest in West Brom's Sam Johnstone but have been put off by his asking price.

Areola has been targeted as he is proven in the Premier League, has excellent top-level experience and is available.

PSG's capture of Gianluigi Donnarumma earlier this week has pushed the Frenchman further down the pecking order at his parent club.

The Irons have yet to sign a senior player in this summer's window.

There have been three arrivals so far - youngsters Pierre Ekwah Elimby, Thierry Nevers and Armstrong Oko-Flex - but they are not expected to challenge for the senior squad.

In other news, a big update on West Ham bid to sign Traore.

West Ham United