There has been mixed reaction by many Crystal Palace fans as the club have been linked with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola by L’Equipe, via CPFC NEWS HQ.
The Frenchman is currently on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid, and he does not want to stay at parent club Paris Saint Germain if the Spanish side do not activate their option to buy him in the summer. The World Cup winner is 27 years-old and has only played three games in La Liga this season, keeping one clean sheet, per Transfermarkt.
The Eagles as well as fellow Premier League side West Ham have been mentioned as places he could end up, but some fans of the South London side are confused at the link due to the fact that they have Vicente Guaita in between the sticks.
The Spaniard has kept an impressive nine clean sheets in 27 games and has only conceded 28 goals this campaign whilst also making 88 saves, via Premier League.
Statistics page OptaJoe also ranked him as the best performing goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season for goals prevented, based on Opta’s expected goals on target data, with a 9.6 rating.
These great numbers highlight why Palace fans are confused, with some believing that signing Areola is only a possible option if they sell Guaita.
Here is what fans had to say following the rumours:
📰 Alphonse Areola intends to seek to leave PSG this summer, if Real Madrid decide not to activate their option to buy to sign him on a permanent basis.
His wife is keen on a move to London, with Palace and West Ham mentioned as possible destinations.
[L'Equipe] #CPFC pic.twitter.com/k8eCAX6PiN
— PALACE XTRA 📰 (@cpfc_xtra) April 13, 2020
So…. we just going to forget about this guy? The disrespect! pic.twitter.com/xFm1k2N3rR
— Anton Jean-Baptiste (@AJBapZ) April 13, 2020
Palace have the best keeper in the league so why would we be interested in him?
— Andrew (@Morangatang21) April 13, 2020
He’s a quality up and coming keeper should of been PSG no.1 and could of been Real Madrid’s no.1 quiet easily. Would be a solid signing even though we’ve got a quality keeper but would hate it if Hammers get their hands on him
— Ballard (@mballard_23) April 13, 2020
Guaita >
But if for some stupid reason we sell Guaita then I’d take him— JW (@CPFC_JW) April 13, 2020
Would be a good Guaita replacement. I’d prefer to keep Prince Vicente tho https://t.co/hkz15u4cxj
— 🎯 (@PRhunter101) April 13, 2020
Wait what 🤣
— brad.h_cpfc (@cpfc_fp) April 13, 2020
Palace fans, are you surprised with this transfer rumour? Comment below!
