Fulham beat Chelsea, Arsenal to coveted goalkeeper signing
Fulham have sensationally beaten Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 27-year-old has agreed a season-long loan move with Scott Parker’s side with the Cottagers holding an option to make the move permanent.
The French keeper spent last season at Real Madrid providing back up for Thibaut Courtois. But soon after he returned to PSG it was clear he would be moving on again.
The Evening Standard claimed Arsenal had been offered the chance to sign Areola.
However, Le10 Sport claimed he was also an option for Chelsea as well. The French outlet claimed that Thiago Silva could help lure Areola to Chelsea.
Fulham though worked quickly on the deal and have finalised a move for the France international.
Areola told FFCtv: “I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.
“Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.
“I hope this season will be a good one for us. I want to bring my energy and do everything for this team to keep us where we belong to be.”
We’ve got ourselves a new goalkeeper! #OhhLaAreola
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 9, 2020
Fulham chief Tony Khan added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family!
“Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he’s played in France’s national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.
“We’re excited that he’s joining us, and he’ll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!”