Fulham are interested in signing Sergio Rico on loan, as they consider alternatives to primary target Bernd Leno.
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Fulham are set to switch their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Sergio Rico to solve their goalkeeping problems. Arsenal star Bernd Leno remains Marco Silva’s primary target, but the two clubs remain apart in their valuations of the German.
Fulham are in the middle of one of the most important transfer windows in recent years, as they plan to put together a squad capable of enduring the challenge of the Premier League. The Cottagers suffered relegation the last time they played in the top flight.
Fulham manager Marco Silva also wants to prove a point after his failure during his time at Everton previously. The idea is to bring in players capable of strengthening this Championship winning squad.
One of Silva’s priorities has been to bring in a new goalkeeper to shore up the last line of defence. Alphonse Areola was a target for the Cottagers before he signed permanently with West Ham United, where he spent the previous season on loan.
Fulham interested in signing PSG keeper Sergio Rico on loan. Rico had loan spell at Fulham in 2018/19. Fulham have been in talks with Arsenal over Bernd Leno but gap in valuation remains. #SergioRico #FFC #PSG
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 21, 2022
Bernd Leno remains Silva’s primary target, with the Cottagers holding talks with Arsenal to understand the particulars of the transfer. So far, the deal has not gone through as both clubs have not been able to agree on a fee.
Despite reports emerging about Leno agreeing to personal terms with Fulham, the Cottagers are yet to make a substantial offer to Arsenal’s liking. The Gunners are demanding around £11 million, which is deemed excessive by the Cottagers as things stand.
Hence the interest in Rico has materialised, as Fulham could explore the possibility of finalising a deal. The Cottagers are interested in signing the PSG keeper on loan for the season.
The Spaniard has two years left on his deal, which could tempt the French champions to cash in and sell him outright. Whether PSG will allow the Spaniard to leave temporarily remains to be seen, but his chances of playing even sporadic football at the club next season are remote.
After making just one senior appearance for PSG in the first half of the 2021/22 season, Rico was loaned out to Mallorca, where he played 14 times in La Liga. The keeper has featured in the Premier League before, incidentally with Fulham during the 2018/19 season, appearing 29 times and keeping five clean sheets. Whether a return to Craven Cottage materialises remains to be seen.
