West Ham United are reportedly considering a move for Fiorentina goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski as a long-term replacement for Lukasz Fabianski.
According to Corriere Fiorentino, as relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham United are eyeing a summer move for Fiorentina and Poland goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski.
A product of the Jagiellonia Bialystok youth academy, Dragowski began his career in Poland before making the switch to Italy in 2016 when he signed for Fiorentina. The shot-stopper had a brief loan stint at Empoli in 2019 and has made 86 appearances for the Viola so far. However, the 24-year-old has had to play second-fiddle to Pietro Terracciano in the ongoing season.
Dragowski has played just nine times in all competitions this season, securing three clean sheets in the process. With the Polish international’s contract expiring in 2023, Fiorentina could decide to cash in on him in the summer based on the offers they receive. And West Ham United have emerged as a potential destination for Dragowski.
West Ham United have Lukasz Fabianski as their first-choice goalkeeper at the moment. The 37-year-old has had a solid season so far and is set to be rewarded with a new contract by the Hammers. However, they will eventually need to bring in a long-term replacement for the former Arsenal shot-stopper.
Alphonse Areola is currently on loan at West Ham United from Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year-old has not played all too regularly in London, but the Hammers do have the option of making his transfer permanent at the end of the season.
West Ham United have not provided any indication that they might consider triggering the buyout option for Areola. In case they do not wish to do so, Dragowski can be a handy signing for the club. At 24, he is five years youngster than the PSG custodian and has enough experience at the highest level, having been in Serie A for over five years.
With Fabianski going strong, Dragowski can act as cover for his compatriot in the upcoming season before permanently replacing him as West Ham United’s first-choice goalkeeper. The east London outfit are also interested in Sam Johnstone of West Bromwich Albion, but he prefers a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham United are also looking at Manchester United’s Dean Henderson. But the Englishman will cost around £40 million, making Dragowski a much more cost-effective option for Moyes’s side. So, it remains to be seen if they launch a move for the Fiorentina shot-stopper in the summer transfer window.