PSG's Alphonse Areola was desperate to join Chelsea as Thibaut Courtois replacement

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Standard Sport8 September 2018

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was “desperate” to join Chelsea this summer, according to the Blues’ head of goalkeeping Christophe Lollichon.

Areola’s future in the French capital came under scrutiny during the summer transfer window following the arrival of Gianluigi Buffon at Parc de Princes.

Chelsea had their own dilemma in goal with Thibaut Courtois leaving the club to sign for Real Madrid, having turned down an offer of a new contract in west London.

The Blues replaced the Belgium international with 23-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga but Lollichon, who has served at Chelsea since 2007, would have been happy to work alongside his fellow Frenchman in Areola.

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“We spoke a lot in the summer,” Lollichon told Le Figaro. “He wanted to come here, but the final decision was not my responsibility. It would have been a pleasure to work with him.”

Areola starred for France during Thursday’s Uefa Nations League clash with Germany as he stood in for the injured Hugo Lloris, making a number of vital saves on what was his senior debut for Les Blues.

According to Lollichon, that debut was well overdue, naming the PSG shot-stopper as a much better option for the national team that the Tottenham captain.

He added: “I didn’t have to wait until Thursday to discover Areola. For me, he is already the best French goalkeeper today.

“We eulogise about Lloris too much, Areola is above him.”

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