MY ACCOUNT
West Ham have work to do this summer if they want to keep the good times rolling under David Moyes.
And one of the Hammers’ top priorities will be to resolve their uncertain situation between the sticks, with signing a new goalkeeper potentially on the cards during the off-season.
Ahead of this afternoon’s meeting with league leaders Manchester City at the London Stadium, we take a look at who could be wearing the gloves for the Irons next term.
The state of play
It is still possible that West Ham could see both of their senior goalkeepers leave the club this June.
First-choice custodian Lukasz Fabianski looks likely to extend his stay in East London by a further year — but no new deal has yet been announced.
That said, Moyes could hardly have made it clearer that he wants to keep his Polish stopper.
Speaking last month, he said: “Lukasz has played really well this year and we will be keeping him next year — of course we will.
“I have to say, I think Lukasz has been very good and performed consistently well.”
The Hammers must also decide whether to take up their option to buy Alphonse Areola.
The 29-year-old joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain to compete with Fabianski for the No1 spot but has almost exclusively been used in cup matches this term.
Fantastic Fabianski
Once synonymous with sloppy mistakes, Fabianski has gone on to become one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the Premier League.
In four seasons as a West Ham player, the 57-cap international has barely put a foot wrong and has been the bedrock of the Irons’ recent ascent under Moyes.
Having just turned 37, Fabianski is coming towards the end of his career — but he has shown no signs that his ability is in decline.
Cup keeper
Though Areola has played understudy to Fabianski in the league, he was the preferred choice in goal for his side’s run to the Europa League semi-finals.
An experienced stopper with almost 300 career appearances under his belt — including 36 on loan at Fulham in the Premier League last season — West Ham could do far worse for a No2.
Areola’s reported wage of £120,000 per week at PSG might be a significant stumbling block. However, the French champions are said to be open to subsidising some of his salary, should he sign for the Hammers on a permanent basis.
The Frenchman landed West Ham’s save of the season award for keeping out Youssef En-Nesyri’s effort in the win over Sevilla and hinted he was open to extending his stay.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed every moment since I arrived here when I signed and when I took the first pictures with my new jersey and my new number, so I enjoyed every moment with everyone here.
“The story is not finished, so hopefully we’ll see!”
Sign up Sam
One goalkeeper bound to attract plenty of interest this summer is Sam Johnstone, who will leave West Brom when his contract expires next month.
The England international, 29, was reportedly a target for Arsenal last year before they signed Aaron Ramsdale, while Tottenham are said to be interested this time around.
And such links come as no surprise — while his heroics between the sticks could not prevent West Brom from being relegated last term, Johnstone was one of the standout performers in the top flight.
Praying for Pope
Johnstone might not be the only Three Lions custodian on the move in the coming months though — Burnley could still succumb to relegation, which would surely see Nick Pope depart Turf Moor.
Another top shot-stopper at Premier League level, the 30-year-old does lack ability with the ball at his feet. But that should not put off West Ham, seeing as they are not renowned for build-up play from their man between the sticks.
The Clarets have an option to extend Pope’s deal until 2024 though, so he may not come cheap — even if they drop into the Championship.
