3 PL clubs that could benefit by signing Alphonse Areola
According to Marca, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who is currently on loan with Real Madrid, is likely to depart in the summer. He has bought a house in London and could be heading to England next season though; he still has a contract with the French Champions until 2023.
Areola, 27, spent time at the academy of ES Petits Anges before joining PSG’s youth system in 2006. He was sent on different loan spells to Lens, SC Bastia and Villarreal before he became a regular starter for the French outfit since 2016.
The Frenchman has been a key member of PSG’s squad and has helped them win three league titles in the last three campaigns and was sent on loan to Real Madrid last summer. Though he featured in just 9 games across all competitions, he has bagged the Spanish League title and the Spanish Super Cup with Los Blancos.
However, he may not get the required chance with both PSG and Real Madrid, and thus the PL league clubs should snap him up in the summer. He is one of the top goalkeepers in Europe and has made 229 career appearances. And, here are three Premier League sides who could benefit from signing the World Cup winner.
Chelsea
The Blues have done a fine job so far and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has managed to keep his team in the fight for Champions League qualification. He has also brought in some important signings for the next season but the goalkeeping department has been a major concern for the manager.
First-choice shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga hasn’t lived up to the expectations and his standards have dropped drastically this season. In 33 league games this term, he has conceded 47 goals and has kept just 8 clean sheets and seems to not be at his best.
Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero has also not done enough in the limited opportunities he received. He is already 38 and thus, the Blues could definitely benefit from signing Areola this summer.
Tottenham
At the moment, Tottenham have two shot-stoppers in their ranks in Hugo Lloris and Paulo Gazzaniga. The former missed the majority of the campaign due to an elbow injury. But his return has been a huge boost to the squad. He has been brilliant since the restart and has single-handedly won several games for Jose Mourinho’s side.
However, Gazzaniga has not been at the same level. Thus, signing Areola would definitely bring in healthy competition for the spot in goal and this could turn in the favour of the club. The Real Madrid loanee has been brilliant in the last few years and could be a better competitor for his countryman.
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West Ham
David Moyes’ men have almost fought themselves to safety in the top flight after a draw against Manchester United on Wednesday night. However, the manager needs to bring in a shot-stopper if they have to do better in the next campaign.
Since returning from injury, Lukasz Fabianksi has not been the same. His form has taken a hit and is left without a competitor for him in the squad.
Darren Randolph was signed in January but the former Irish international has rarely featured for the Hammers. Roberto’s abysmal performance cost Moyes’ team a lot earlier in the campaign before he was sent on loan. Thus, signing Areola could help them rectify their goalkeeping issues.
