Chelsea are eyeing West Ham United star Alphonse Areola
According to Dean Jones via GiveMeSport, Premier League giants Chelsea are eyeing a deal for West Ham United shot-stopper Alphonse Areola.
The Blues are currently without first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez who is out injured. Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper is out of the picture and is currently on loan at Real Madrid.
With the January transfer window approaching, Mauricio Pochettino has been forced to deploy Dorde Petrovic in goal. The Serbian was the penalty shootout hero against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup but is far from the solution in the long-term.
The 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers showcased once again the magnanimity of the work that lies ahead for Pochettino. He can start with a reliable last line of defence but for now, is seeking a temporary solution.
Jones believes Areola would prove to be a more attainable option than Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale. The French World Cup-winning custodian is the second choice at the London Stadium and could welcome a new challenge.
The 30-year-old is far from being termed a safe pair of hands but could at the very best prove to be a short-term fix for Pochettino. Whether the Blues will aim to take him on loan or just purchase him outright remains to be seen.
A reliable goalkeeper is a solid foundation for an ambitious side to build upon. Liverpool went from challengers to winner after signing Alisson Bevcker while Tottenham Hotspur have also enhanced their reputation by landing Guglielmo Vicario.
We have also seen with Arsenal in recent times that getting a reliable goalkeeper is high on top teams’ agendas. Chelsea will also eventually need to replace Sanchez going into the 2024/25 campaign. The Spaniard has had his moments but has looked far from reliable as a starting goalkeeper.
Should Areola move to Stamford Bridge, it will be the third different side from London that he will play for, following spells at Fulham and West Ham, both on loan.
