Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has revealed that PSG stopper Alphonse Areola wanted to join the Blues this past summer
In an interview with French outlet Le Figaro, Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon has claimed that Alphonse Areola could have been on his way to Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The 55-year-old has revealed that the French international wanted to leave PSG, but the Blues did not show much interest in him.
Areola progressed through the ranks at PSG before breaking into the first-team setup in the 2012-13 season. But, it took three loan spells away from Parc des Princes before he was able to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the French heavyweights.
However, after two strong campaigns for Les Parisiens, the player is at risk of playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Buffon this season. Perhaps, sensing the same, Areola looked to make himself available in the transfer window this past summer, with Chelsea the club of his choice.
The same has been confirmed by Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon, who has revealed that the French international had his heart set on swapping PSG for Chelsea this past summer. The 55-year-old though, also alluded to the fact that the Blues didn’t take a keen interest in him.
“We spoke a lot in the summer. He wanted to come here but the final decision was not my responsibility. It would have been a pleasure to work with him. I did not have to wait until Thursday [on his France debut] to discover Alphonse.”
Lollichon was pointing towards Areola’s performance against Germany earlier this week, where he produced a man-of-the-match performance to preserve his clean sheet, and a draw for France. Meanwhile, Chelsea have been linked with the French international previously.
But, if reports are to be believed, the West Londoners had other targets in mind as Thibaut Courtois edged closer towards joining Real Madrid. These included the likes of Jan Oblak, Jack Butland and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In the end though, Chelsea ended up signing Kepa Arrizabalaga in a deal that broke the world record for a goalkeeper’s transfer fee. Only time will tell if that decision was correct. But, Areola seems to be focused on regaining his place as the first-choice at PSG after his exploits with France, putting the disappointment of a failed Stamford Bridge switch behind him.
