West Ham: 'Willingness from all parties' to seal £7.6m deal at London Stadium | OneFootball

West Ham United are ‘chasing’ a permanent deal for Alphonse Areola despite doubts over whether he can dislodge Lukasz Fabianski as the first choice goalkeeper at the London Stadium, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Hammers are preparing for another season of continental football, thanks to a seventh-placed finish securing Europa Conference League qualification, and boss David Moyes is keen to acquire Areola on a long-term basis.

What’s the latest news involving Areola?

Areola initially made the move to West Ham last summer, joining on a season-long loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain which included the option of being made permanent.

It appears the Hammers are closing in on triggering that component of the initial agreement, with The Sun claiming they are pushing to complete the £7.6million switch.

The report states Newcastle United, who are now the richest club in world football and could offer more lucrative terms, are looking to hijack West Ham’s move.

But it is understood that talks are continuing between the east Londoners and Areola’s representatives over personal terms, suggesting a long-term stay with the club could be on the cards despite the late interest.

The 29-year-old made 18 appearances during his loan spell with West Ham, keeping eight clean sheets in the process.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Areola?

Sheth has questioned whether Areola will usurp Fabianski as West Ham’s number one shot-stopper.

However, the Sky Sports reporter understands parent club PSG and the Premier League side are keen to tie up the permanent move as soon as possible.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “I just wonder whether Areola will get more game-time in the Premier League as opposed to just in the European competitions and the cup competitions as well.

“But that’s one that they will be chasing. There is willingness from all parties – PSG especially and West Ham – to get that deal over the line.”

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Why do West Ham want to sign Areola permanently?

Areola may not have been Moyes’ go-to goalkeeper in the Premier League last season, with him only making one appearance in the competition, but it is clear why the West Ham boss is keen to see the Frenchman remain at the London Stadium.

According to FBref, he placed in the 99th percentile for goals against and was in the 95th bracket when it came to a save percentage last term, underlining how he is dependable between the sticks.

Areola’s prowess in Fabianski’s absence was recognised by him securing West Ham’s Save of the Season award after brilliantly keeping Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri at bay during the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie, so he has already shone in east London.