Lille OSC is in the market for a goalkeeper following the sale of Mike Maignan to AC Milan. The French club reportedly expressed interest in Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sergio Rico; however, no transfer resulted from Lille targeting the Spanish international.
Nonetheless, Rico wasn’t the only PSG goalkeeper that Les Dogues inquired over. According to L’Equipe (via Culture PSG), Lille also had an interest in Alphonse Areola, but the pursuit of the 28-year-old seemed like a long shot.
The French media outlet adds that in the end, the file seemed like an impossible one for Lille for two reasons. The salary of Areola was a major sticking point that prevented a deal, but also the player’s desire to remain in London, which is why the loan transfer to West Ham United came about this summer.
Areola will stay in London, where he’ll have the chance to win the starting goalkeeping position for The Hammers on a loan transfer, which could trigger an obligation to buy clause if the France international make a certain amount of appearances.
