Fulham show Premier League ambitions as they land PSG keeper Areola on loan
Fulham have signed PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan – with an option to make the deal permanent.
The Paris-born 27-year-old, capped three times by France, has also had temporary stints with Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bastia and Lens.
In total he has made 228 first-team appearances and spent last season with Real, four of his nine games coming in La Liga as they lifted the title.
Areola has won three Ligue 1 championships at PSG but dropped down the pecking order after the acquisition of Gianluigi Buffon.
The Whites have been keen to upgrade their options between the posts despite a promising breakthrough campaign by Marek Rodak. Fulham have cleared space in that department by loaning Marcus Bettinelli to Middlesbrough.
Areola said: “I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.
“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.”
Fulham have also allowed centre-back Alfie Mawson and Steven Sessegnon to join Bristol City on loan.
Both were back-up options in the second half of last season as the Whites won promotion via the play-offs. They host Arsenal tomorrow in their Premier League opener.
