West Ham news: Pundit issues ‘definite’ Alphonse Areola claim after confirmed news
Alan Hutton has claimed Alphonse Areola will want the opportunity to be the number one goalkeeper at West Ham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham defender is adamant that the 29=year-old will back himself to oust Lukasz Fabianski next season.
On Monday (27 June), West Ham confirmed the signing of Areola on a permanent basis.
The goalkeeper put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the London Stadium following a successful loan spell with the club last season.
The Frenchman joined the Hammers from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £7.75million.
When asked by Football Insider if it could be the end of Fabianski’s spell as first choice keeper, Hutton said: “Possibly.
“I think it’s kind of a shoot out between the two of them now. I think Areola came in last season on loan and did really well whenever he was called upon. Even though Fabianski was still the number one I thought he pushed him all the way.
“So to bring him in, it was a lot of money, he’ll definitely be pushing for number one. Areola would have wanted to know that there was an opportunity for him to be seen as the number one.
“It’s going to be a good battle between them. I always think you need competition I say it all the time, competition brings out the best in players so I’m sure Fabianski will put up a fight.”
Areola made 17 appearances for West Ham last season.
He kept eight clean sheets in those games, including five in the Europa League.
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