West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a permanent deal for Alphonse Areola this summer after the Frenchman's impressive loan spell at the London Stadium last season.
What's the word?
The Hammers have been heavily linked with the shot-stopper in recent weeks, and it seems as if the transfer could soon be confirmed, going by what Fabrizio Romano has posted on Twitter.
On Thursday afternoon, the Italian journalist stated: "West Ham are finally progressing in talks to sign Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal, agreement now getting closer - positive feelings on player side too. West Ham are increasingly confident as Areola deal will cost around €12m."
Supporters will be buzzing
Given that first-choice 'keeper Lukasz Fabianski will turn 38 next season, signing a younger, long-term replacement for the Poland international was always likely to be a priority for David Moyes this summer.
He can already trust Areola after his excellent performances last season, with the 29-year-old making 11 appearances in West Ham's fairytale Europa League run, while he also excelled in his three Carabao Cup outings, obtaining two Man of the Match billings from WhoScored.
If Romano's reports are true and Areola is brought in for as little as €12m (£10.3m), it could prove to be a bargain deal for the Hammers, as signing an established Premier League goalkeeper (37 appearances) who is still only 29 represents excellent business for GSB.
While it is unknown whether Areola will become the Irons' number one next season - Fabianski's was still the club's seventh-best player of 2021/22 according to WhoScored - West Ham fans would surely be delighted to see the Frenchman return on a permanent basis.
Club legend Mark Noble was full of praise for the 29-year-old last term, saying: "Alphonse knows Lukasz is number one at the minute but he’s great around the boys, he doesn’t sulk, he comes in and he’s been fantastic in the Europa League games that he’s played and fantastic in the Carabao Cup games."
Considering West Ham's propensity to leave deals until the last moment, supporters will no doubt be happy that Areola is seemingly on the brink of joining so early in the transfer window.
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