West Ham makes a permanent deal for Areola from PSG

West Ham bought French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday in a deal that was said to be worth £7.75 million (US$9.5 million). Areola had been on loan with the Premier League club.

Areola signed a five-year deal with the Hammers and will compete with Lukasz Fabianski to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the London Stadium.

The man, who is 29, said: “I feel great. I’m glad to sign the contract and stay here for good, and I can’t wait to start training and doing the job.

“The most important thing is that I felt the fans’ love last season. For me, feeling loved is one of the most important things in the world.

“I know I have to do my job and do everything I can to make them and the team happy. Last season was a lot of fun, so I did everything I could to stay.”

David Moyes, the manager of West Ham, was glad to see Areola back at the club.

“Alphonse did a lot for the club while he was on loan there last year. His play showed why we think he is a good goalkeeper “he said.

“He brings quality and experience that have been proven at the highest level, both in the United States and abroad.”