Alphonse Areola must accept pay cut for West Ham move

LYON, FRANCE - APRIL 14: Alphonse Areola of West Ham United reacts during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Olympique Lyon and West Ham United at Parc Olympique on April 14, 2022 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
LYON, FRANCE - APRIL 14: Alphonse Areola of West Ham United reacts during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Olympique Lyon and West Ham United at Parc Olympique on April 14, 2022 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

West Ham are nearing the signing of Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain for an apparent £11million.

The goalkeeper appears willing to lower his wage demands in order to facilitate a move.

When West Ham signed Areola on loan last summer, they had the choice to trigger another loan deal when it expired or sign him on a permanent basis. The Irons look set to take up the latter option.

West Ham are closing in on signing Alphonse Areola on a permament deal from PSG with the player expected to take a pay cut.

West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola makes a fine save versus Sevilla in the Europa League.
West Ham United’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola makes an outstanding save during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg football match between West Ham and Sevilla at London Stadium.

The 29-year-old has spent the 2021/22 season on loan impressing Hammers boss David Moyes and the fans on their run to the Europa League semi-final.

He has put in a number of outstanding performances such as in wins over Man City in the Carabao Cup and Sevilla in the Europa League.

Areola has been on a reported £120k a week at West Ham with the Ligue 1 champions paying a portion of his wages.

For him to make the switch to East London permanent he has been asked to lower his salary so it alligns with his teammates’ contracts – he is believed to be open to this.

The Frenchman previously had a loan spell at Fulham in 2020/21 season and with the Cottagers returning to the Premier League after winning the Championship they also had an interest in re-signing Areola.

However, Fulham are believed to have admitted defeat in their hunt for Areola as they line-up a move for Lazio stopper Thomas Strakosha instead via 90min.

There remains a strong chance Areola is promoted to West Ham’s first choice keeper for next season with Lukasz Fabianski ageing and struggling with form at the end of the campaign.