West Ham announce Alphonse Areola as they chase Chelsea defender

West Ham announce first summer signing

West Ham have the added fixtures that European football brings next season, having qualified for the Europa League on the final day of the 2020-21 season.

However, they are yet to add an outfield player to their ranks, despite Jesse Lingard’s loan expiring and Felipe Anderson rejoining Lazio after three unsuccessful seasons in East London.

Instead, the Hammers have sourced a backup goalkeeper for veteran shot-stopper Lukas Fabianski, announcing the loan signing of Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola for the upcoming season.

The French goalkeeper impressed during his season loan at Fulham last campaign, but could not prevent the Londoners being relegated from the Premier League.

As revealed by the club on social media, the Irons have an option to make the deal permanent next summer, although the potential price has not been disclosed.

Interest in Kurt Zouma

Meanwhile, David Moyes’ side are also thought to hold an interest in Chelsea’s defender Kurt Zouma, with Sky Sports reporting that the London clubs are in talks over a deal for the Frenchman.

However, this deal could well be complicated by Zouma’s potential inclusion in any deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, where the Chelsea defender is thought to be an option in the deal.

As reported on-site earlier, however, Zouma may not be a certainty in a deal with Sevilla, meaning that Chelsea may rather accept the money West Ham offer for the Frenchman and put it towards signing Kounde.