Chelsea’s goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has stated that Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was interested to move to the Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window. Areola was included in France’s 23-man squad which won the World Cup in Russia.
Thibaut Courtois forced his way to the ranks of Real Madrid in the summer and during the uncertainty which existed regarding the Belgian shot-stopper, Chelsea wanted to sign Areola. However, the Blues eventually went on to sign Kepa Azzirabalaga for a transfer fee of over £70m to replace Courtois.
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With Areola still in the ranks of PSG, he is currently fighting with Gianluigi Buffon for a regular place between the sticks. The 25-year-old was spectacular with the gloves during France’s goalless stalemate with Germany yesterday as he made some stupendous saves to save the blushes of his national side.
He denied Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller and Matthias Ginter as he grabbed the opportunity to impress Didier Deschamps in the absence of Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda.
Regarding rumours about Areola’s move to Chelsea, Lollichon said: “He wanted to come here, but the final decision was not my responsibility. It would have been a pleasure working with him.”
