Alphonse Areola must accept pay cut for West Ham move

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.

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.