West Ham confirm £10.5m transfer for Alphonse Areola on five-year deal from PSG after successful loan spell

WEST HAM have completed the signing of Alphonse Areola for £10.5million on a five-year deal.

The French goalkeeper joins from Paris Saint-Germain after spending last season on loan with the Hammers.

SunSport reported on Friday that the 29-year-old’s switch would be confirmed early this week, with David Moyes and his squad arriving in Scotland on Monday for pre-season.

And Areola will now join up with them as a permanent West Ham player until 2027, with the option of an extra year.

He said: “I feel good, I feel great, I’m happy to sign and happy to stay here and I can’t wait to start to train and to do the job.

“The main thing is that I felt the love of the supporters last season. Something for me that is really important is to feel that I’m loved.

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“The vibe of last season was great, so I just wanted to do everything to stay here. I feel comfortable.

"When I’m signing for a club, I want to feel that it’s like my second family.”

Boss Moyes added: “Alphonse made a huge contribution to the club last season. His performances backed up why we see him as a top goalkeeper.

“He brings proven quality and experience at the highest level, both on the domestic and international scene.”

It is the second signing of the summer for Moyes this window having also captured Rennes central defender Nayef Aguerd for £30m.

Areola had been linked to other Premier League sides after his impressive campaign at the London Stadium, with Newcastle previously interested.

However, West Ham have had a clear run at confirming the deal after Toon signed Burnley’s Nick Pope.

Areola made 18 appearances last season, 11 of them in the Europa League as West Ham reached the semi-finals, keeping five clean sheets and conceding just eight goals.

But Areola is now expected to be challenging for the No 1 spot in the Prem with Polish veteran Lukasz Fabianski, 37.

West Ham remain active in the transfer window, and are still looking for a striker to compete with Michail Antonio.

Chelsea’s Armando Broja is their top target.

The 20-year-old Albania centre-forward scored six goals on loan at Southampton last year, and West Ham are preparing a £30m bid.

However, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to see Broja in pre-season training before making a decision on his future.

West Ham have also approached Villarreal in a bid to lure former Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma, 25, back to England in a £30m deal.