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Thursday Fulham Stuff - 10/09/20...

Started by WhiteJC, September 09, 2020, 11:37:57 AM

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WhiteJC

Alphonse Areola has already had part of medical to join Fulham

Alphonse Areola will soon be a Fulham player.

Multiple reports from France have relayed the Premier League club's interest over the past few days, and now it's clear the move is on course and, barring any late issues, should be completed soon.

RMC report the goalkeeper has already had part of his medical with the Cottagers, even though there are still some details left to sort out with PSG. There's no explanation what those details relate to.

The move will be on a loan basis, and there's no clarity from RMC on whether Fulham will have a clause to make the transfer permanent next summer.

Areola's contract with the Ligue 1 club runs until June 2023, so there's no immediate concern for PSG in that regard. Having spent the last season on loan with Real Madrid, he'll be hoping to get more minutes on his loan move this time around.

According to several reports from France, the London factor has helped Fulham sign the 27 year old, with him buying a property in the city recently.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/alphonse-areola-already-part-medical-join-fulham/

WhiteJC

Report: PSG goalkeeper and Arsenal target Alphonse Areola has passed his Fulham medical

According to RMC (via GFFN), Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper and Arsenal target Alphonse Areola has passed his medical with Fulham, and a deal is now imminent.

There are still some final details to be sorted out between the three parties, but the move is expected to go through.



Fulham want Areola on a season-long loan, and the France international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, is keen to join having already bought a house in London.

Arsenal are also keen on the Frenchman as they prepare for Emiliano Martinez's potential exit, but it appears that he prefers to join the Craven Cottage outfit ahead of the Gunners due to the guarantee of regular playing chances.

The newly-promoted Premier League side want a new goalkeeper, and they have also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur's Paulo Gazzaniga.

Areola, 27, made nine appearances for Madrid last season, and he will be keen to play regularly in 2020-21 in order to boost his chances of returning to the French squad ahead of next summer's European Championship.

He will most likely be Fulham's number 1 if he joins, and manager Scott Parker will hope his arrival and quality help hand his side's top-flight survival chances a massive boost.



https://sportslens.com/report-psg-goalkeeper-and-arsenal-target-alphonse-areola-has-passed-his-fulham-medical/312645/

WhiteJC

Mesut Ozil sends Arsenal selection message to Mikel Arteta ahead of new season

The German hasn't played for the Gunners for six months, but he says he's fit and raring to go ahead of the new Premier League season

Mesut Ozil says he's ready to be called upon by Mikel Arteta if the Spaniard is willing to end his Arsenal exile.

The former Germany international hasn't played for the Gunners since the 1-0 win over West Ham six months ago, and he didn't feature at all after football returned from coronavirus lockdown.

He spent the latter part of last season away in Turkey while his Arsenal teammates won the FA Cup by beating Chelsea at Wembley, but he has now returned to training with the rest of the squad.

Arteta has been busy putting his own stamp on the Gunners this summer, including bringing in Willian from Chelsea, but Ozil says he still wants to play his part for the club, starting with this weekend's trip to Fulham that will begin the new Premier League season.

"I'm fit and ready and doing my best," said Ozil in a Twitter Q&A with fans when he was asked if he would feature at the weekend.

"Unfortunately it's not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!"

Ozil still has a year left on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and his agent Erkut Sogut says he is likely to see out his deal come what may.

"I don't think Mesut will leave before the summer of 2021," he told Turkish outlet Fanatik in July.

"He's got an ongoing contract that hasn't changed. He will stay with Arsenal.

"When his deal is up, I estimate there is a ninety percent chance he will leave Arsenal.

"Maybe Asia, America, Turkey? Who knows."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-fc-news-mesut-ozil-22655486


WhiteJC

CONEL Football Academy kicks off new season in partnership with Spiral Sports Solutions and Fulham FC


CONEL in partnership with Spiral Sports Solutions and Fulham FC

Aspiring young footballers will be hoping to win more trophies this season after the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (@CollegeNELondon) teamed up with Spiral Sports Solutions (@SpiralSportsSol) and @premierleague newcomers @FulhamFC.

CONEL has agreed a new partnership with football development company Spiral Sports Solutions, run by former professional footballer Miguel Desouza who is also Assistant Head of Talent ID and Recruitment at Fulham.

Fulham were promoted to the Premier League last season after a 2-1 win over Brentford in the Championship play-off final.

Miguel said: "Seven years ago I was contacted by CONEL to run the College's football programme when I was Head of Academy Recruitment at Leyton Orient. The Football Academy was later formed and won the league in its first year.

"Since then the number of students joining the Football Academy has increased each year and the Academy has continued to compete well in league and cup competitions. We have also continued to develop and improve the College's coaching and training facilities.

"Our extensive links with clubs at various levels of the football pyramid means players at CONEL's Academy have the opportunity to continue their football journey after college life."

The Academy has produced many talented players including Ruben Junior, who won a scholarship at Bolton Wanderers having previously played at youth level for Benfica in his native Portugal.

The Football Academy is based at CONEL's Enfield Centre, which is home to a 3G floodlit artificial pitch, grass pitches, sports hall and fully-equipped gym.

The Academy runs men and women's teams and is open to any student aged 16-18 on 31 August of the year they start their course.

The teams compete in the Association of Colleges' football leagues and have also played in European tournaments in Spain.

Players at the Academy receive a free kit, professional coaching, fitness training, technical analysis, medical support, physiotherapy and nutrition advice.

Top players can also become a college sponsored athlete and receive a bursary from the college worth up to £2,500 a year.

Jonathan Silman, Head of Sport at CONEL, said:

"We are excited to begin this new partnership with Spiral Sports Solutions and Fulham FC. Having the professional support of Miguel and his team and Fulham FC will be a huge draw for students to join our Football Academy.

"We have put in a number of measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 at CONEL and keep our students safe, including those joining or already part of our sports academies, and we cannot wait for the new season to start."



https://www.fenews.co.uk/press-releases/54602-conel-football-academy-kicks-off-new-season-in-partnership-with-spiral-sports-solutions-and-fulham-fc

WhiteJC

Mesut Ozil breaks silence on involvement against Fulham and sends message to Mikel Arteta

The Arsenal midfielder was frozen out by Mikel Arteta last season but could be in contention to be selected against Fulham

Mesut Ozil has confirmed that he is fit and available for selection for Arsenal's first Premier League game of the season against Fulham.

The former Real Madrid midfielder, who joined the Gunners back in 2013, has not played for the club since March 7, the final Premier League game before lockdown.

Reports have claimed the German could leave the club this summer, with his future at the Emirates seemingly in doubt.

However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has vowed to wipe the slate clean for everyone ahead of the new season, meaning Ozil could be handed the chance to resurrect his Gunners career.

Ozil has returned to first-team training with the rest of the squad and took to the pitch in the recent 3-2 friendly defeat against Aston Villa, which suggest the German could be involved in some capacity against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

In a Twitter Q&A session with fans on Wednesday, one supporter asked: "Hey man, hope you doing well, are you fit to be played against Fulham?"

In response, Ozil said: "I'm fit & ready and doing my best. Unfortunately it's not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!"

The former German international was left out of the squad for the FA Cup final win against Chelsea in August, along with Matteo Guendouzi.

Asked why Ozil didn't feature, Arteta said at the time: "Pure football reasons.

"My only ambition is the best squad and the best players who give us the best opportunity to win the game."



https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/mesut-ozil-arsenal-fulham-team-18906012

WhiteJC

Fulham have second bid for midfielder turned down – Consider improving it

Fulham continue to struggle for the signing of Florentino Luís from Benfica, according to reports from the Portuguese media.

Newspaper O Jogo brings an interesting piece today with some details about the club's latest attempt to get the midfielder.

It's claimed that the most recent offer was €2m for a loan deal, plus an obligatory clause to buy him at the end of the spell for €30m.

But the transfer was blocked by Benfica president Luís Filipe Vieira, who believes Florentino Luís is worth over €40m.

O Jogo says this is the second offer made by Fulham for the player. The first one had been slightly smaller, consisting of €1m for the loan and other €18m for the permanent move.

Following the two bids rejected, it's claimed that the Craven Cottage side are considering improving the numbers for a third offer. According to the newspaper, the fact that the Premier League kicks off at the weekend could help 'accelerate' the process.

Florentino Luís has a contract with Benfica until 2024, and is protected by a release clause of €120m.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-second-bid-midfielder-turned-consider-improving/


WhiteJC

Assessing the Best Transfer Strategy for the Premier League's Newly Promoted Sides

A question as old as time itself - or more accurately 1992 - rears its head annually during this late summer period.

You'll likely have heard it debated in the pub. The teams that have just been promoted to the Premier League are going about their transfer dealings in different ways. Firstly, one side will argue the only possible way to stay up is to splash the cash on a host of new players.

The other will counter that that's a ridiculous approach. 'You can't just assemble a new side as soon as you go up - what about unity, synergy and team spirit? You should keep the squad almost entirely unchanged.'

It's a debate typically had over a few pints and often lacks nuance. You're either on one side or the other, perhaps there's a happy medium? Here, 90min dives into the archives to see which strategy has fared best following promotion to the top tier.

Big Spenders
1. Fulham
First up it's Fulham who spent a whopping £101m on their return to the Premier League in 2018. They lumped out £20m on three separate players, bringing Jean Michaël Seri, André Zambo Anguissa and Aleksandar Mitrovic to Craven Cottage.

But the optimism caused by their spending spree didn't last very long, as the Cottagers would win just one of their first 12 games. The team looked completely disjointed after their summer makeover and never managed to put together a string of coherent performances.

New midfielders Seri and Anguissa failed to make an impact in the Premier League and, with 81 goals conceded, Fulham may have been better served sorting out their defence.

£100m spent only to sit in the relegation zone for the whole campaign, hardly a good advert for heavy spending.

Hit or Miss? MISS

2. Wolverhampton Wanderers
It's often forgotten that alongside Fulham, Wolves spent big after returning to the top flight. It's probable this is because, unlike the London club, their spending was actually worth it.

Their recruitment in the summer of 2018 featured the likes of Diogo Jota, Adama Traoré and Raúl Jiménez. While they didn't come cheap, Wolves vindicated their heavy investment by finishing seventh in their first season back in the Premier League.

It seems their spending had a vision and some coherency, unlike certain others.

Hit or Miss? HIT

3. Aston Villa
Villa weren't messing about when they returned to the top flight, spending a staggering £133m.

Unfortunately, their heavy investment bore a far closer resemblance to Fulham's than Wolves'. With a total of 12 players brought in, it could be argued that only two - Tyrone Mings and Douglas Luiz - have been successful.

It was so nearly a catastrophic failure for the Villans but on the last day of the season, they managed to cling to Premier League survival.

An expensive gamble but one that just about paid off.

Hit or Miss? JURY'S STILL OUT
Keep the Squad the Same

4. Norwich
What a romantic vision. Almost no spending, keeping faith in the same squad that got them promoted, Norwich dared to dream that their young squad could stand tall against all around them, sending a statement to the footballing world that spirit and unity were perhaps more important than just a load of cash.

Except it didn't quite work out like that.

Norwich quickly became the Premier League whipping boys finishing rock bottom of the table and well out of their depth. Nice try though, we applaud the sentiment.

Hit or Miss? MISS

5. Cardiff City
Cardiff resisted following the heavy spending route of their fellow promotees, their £27m expenditure just a fraction of that spent by both Wolves and Fulham.

Their approach nearly paid off but the Bluebirds finished in 18th, agonisingly close to safety. They did, however, finish eight points higher than heavy spenders Fulham.

If you're going to get relegated you may as well do it the £73m cheaper way - giving Cardiff the moral victory at least.

Hit or Miss? MISS

6. AFC Bournemouth
Although Bournemouth brought in a fair few new faces, they kept the core of their team largely the same and recruited on the cheap spending just £28m as they prepared for their debut Premier League campaign.

Although they invested in a bit more firepower in January, their approach proved to be a success. Most people's favourites to return straight back to the Championship, the Cherries stayed up not only that season but for four more years. Even by the time they were eventually relegated, some of their Championship winning squad still remained.

A great example that you don't need to break the bank to keep yourself in the Premier League.

Hit or Miss? HIT

So which approach is better? Well on this analysis, the big spending approach just about wins - but frankly neither approach has a particularly good track record.

Spending is required, that much appears to be evident, but throwing a load of new faces together and hoping they'll gel straight away? Wishful thinking. Unity and cohesion remain a significant tool when it comes to surviving, you only need to look at Brighton, Sheffield United and Burnley for evidence of that.

There's a happy medium to be found somewhere - over to you Leeds, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion to find it.



https://www.90min.com/posts/assessing-the-best-transfer-strategy-for-the-premier-league-s-newly-promoted-sides

WhiteJC

Premier League faces further cash crisis after Boris Johnson statement on fans' return

Football clubs up and down the country are now facing the prospect of continuing without supporters for the foreseeable future, after the Government's latest statement

The return of football fans has been thrown into doubt after coronavirus cases soared in England - with football clubs set to continue counting the huge cost.

Clubs were due to let in a quarter of their stadium's capacity from October 1 under plans to socially distance fans - with some having recently held trial events.

But Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that he will "review" plans to return audiences to stadiums from that date.

Downing Street has put the plans on hold after government scientists deemed the prevalence of the virus is currently too high for supporters to return to stadiums across the country.

Mr Johnson told a No.10 press conference: "We must revise plans to pilot larger audiences in stadiums & review our intention to return audiences to stadiums from the 1st October."

He added: "That doesn't mean we're going to scrap the programme entirely. It just means we are going to review and abridge it.

"Organised sport will still be able to proceed."

It's understood some pilots of live audiences for arts or sport will still go ahead.

Yet they will be limited to 1,000 people and will not go ahead at all if they're in areas which had high virus rates.

It comes as Premier League chief Richard Masters declared it is "absolutely critical" that fans are allowed back inside stadiums as soon as possible.

The Premier League's clubs will face up to giant costs if supporters cannot return during the 2020-21 campaign - while EFL and Non-League sides are facing the prospect of far worse.

Masters told BBC Sport: "We have to get back to fans inside stadia as quickly as possible - that's the big thing that's missing, economic or otherwise - we need fans back inside stadiums for all sorts of reasons and it's the number one priority."

Masters insisted that the Premier League has three main objectives in 2020-21: Ensuring 380 matches finish on time this season, getting fans back into full stadia, and returning the Premier League economy to full health.

It comes with Premier League revenue down £700million for the final quarter of last season, and having been forced to pay huge rebates to television broadcasters.

"It's not just the loss of matchday revenue," he said. "Every Premier League match on average generates about £20m for the economy both local and national so we want to play our part in helping the economy to recover as well.

"I think perhaps there is a perception the Premier League economy can withstand just about anything, but if you do lose £700m out of a planned budget it's going to affect things and clubs have had to make some very difficult decisions.

"That is why it is important we focus on those three key objectives and obviously everyone hopes that from next season we can return to full normality, but it's a huge challenge going forward.

"Financial issues are very real, they're there, economic uncertainty is in front of us, and we just have to have a clear plan and stick to it."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will also "revise" plans to pilot larger audiences in arts venues like theatres later this month.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/boris-johnson-fans-return-football-22656469

WhiteJC

Report: Alphonse Areola set for Fulham after being offered to Arsenal

According to Foot Mercato and L'Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is all set for a move to Fulham.

It's claimed that Areola is signing for Fulham on loan for the season following their promotion to the Premier League.

Areola is believed to be 'very close' to signing for Fulham now, and he allegedly loves London and already owns a house there.

Rennes wanted Areola too, but he preferred Fulham, and the deal will likely go through in 'the coming hours'.

Areola, 27, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, when PSG replaced him with the last goalkeeper Fulham had on loan in the Premier League – Sergio Rico.

The Frenchman only played nine games at Real last season, and will now likely displace Marek Rodak as Fulham's first-choice.

This means that Arsenal won't be signing Areola, as the London Evening Standard reported on Tuesday that the Gunners had been offered the chance to sign Areola.

Areola could have been an option if Emiliano Martinez had moved on, but he remains at the club – and it's no surprise that Arsenal didn't feel that they could commit to signing Areola right now.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/09/report-alphonse-areola-set-for-fulham-after-being-offered-to-arsenal/


WhiteJC

Fulham beat Chelsea, Arsenal to coveted goalkeeper signing

Fulham have sensationally beaten Arsenal and Chelsea to the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 27-year-old has agreed a season-long loan move with Scott Parker's side with the Cottagers holding an option to make the move permanent.

The French keeper spent last season at Real Madrid providing back up for Thibaut Courtois. But soon after he returned to PSG it was clear he would be moving on again.

The Evening Standard claimed Arsenal had been offered the chance to sign Areola.

However, Le10 Sport claimed he was also an option for Chelsea as well. The French outlet claimed that Thiago Silva could help lure Areola to Chelsea.

Fulham though worked quickly on the deal and have finalised a move for the France international.

Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"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 chief Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family!

"Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/fulham-sign-alphonse-areola-on-loan

WhiteJC

Fulham complete loan signing of keeper Areola

Fulham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The deal includes an option for Fulham to buy the France international 27, next summer.

Areola told FFC TV: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. 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."

As Areola's arrival at Craven Cottage was being announced, Whites keeper Marcus Bettinelli was finalising a loan move to Middlesbrough.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-complete-loan-signing-of-keeper-areola

WhiteJC

Areola Joins On Loan


The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

The goalkeeper will remain at Craven Cottage for the duration of the 2020/21 season, with Fulham holding an option to make the move permanent.

After the deal was finalised, Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"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."

Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"


The 27-year-old arrives in SW6 with an enviable CV having won the World Cup with France two years ago, while he has also won domestic titles both in his homeland and Spain.

Born in Paris, Areola was signed by PSG at a young age, before spending time at the illustrious Clairefontaine football centre.

He made his senior debut for the club in their 2012/13 title winning season, in a side which featured the likes of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Areola spent the subsequent three seasons out on loan, enjoying success with each team that he represented.

First he helped Lens win promotion from Ligue 2 and was subsequently named as the division's best goalkeeper, before seeing Bastia to a respectable mid-table finish in Ligue 1 and a runner-up spot in the French equivalent of the League Cup.

2015/16 saw Areola move to Spain where he played a significant role in what was a fantastic year for Villarreal. In addition to finishing fourth in La Liga, they also reached the Semi-Final of the UEFA Europa League.
Alphonse Areola graphic


That form saw him return to Paris, where he soon established himself as the club's first choice goalkeeper, going on to add two more Ligue 1 winner's medals to his collection in 2018 and 2019.

He started last season as PSG's first choice, before the arrival of Keylor Navas saw him move to Real Madrid on loan as part of the deal. He featured nine times during his spell at the Bernabeu, as Real won La Liga for the first time in three years.

Having represented France at every age group – during which time he collected an Under-20 World Cup winner's medal – Areola made his debut for the senior side in 2018 and now has three caps to his name.

He was also a member of Les Bleus squad which was triumphant at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/Areola-Joins-On-Loan/


WhiteJC

Alphonse Areola: Paris Saint-Germain Goalkeeper Joins Fulham on Loan

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The 27-year-old has joined on a season-long loan, with the view to making the deal permanent.

Alphonse Areola Joins Fulham on Loan
Impressive CV


The French international holds an impressive CV as he joins the newly-promoted side ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Areola spent last season on loan with Real Madrid, helping them secure the La Liga for the first time since the 2016/17 season.

The 27-year-old began his career with PSG, but did not become a first-team regular until the 2016/17 campaign. He spent much of the early part of his career out on loan, enjoying successful loan spells with Bastia, Lens and Villarreal.

During his three-year spell as the first-choice goalkeeper in the French capital, Areola impressed, securing the league title in each season; he kept 47 clean sheets in 99 appearances across this period.

Exciting Move

Speaking about his move to the official Fulham website, 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.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"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."

Meanwhile, the Cottagers chairman, Tony Khan, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family!

"Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"




https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2020/09/09/alphonse-areola-paris-saint-germain-goalkeeper-joins-fulham-on-loan/

WhiteJC

Fulham sign Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain

Goalkeeper will spend 2020/21 campaign at Craven Cottage after winning league titles in France and Spain

Fulham have signed goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan.

The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, playing nine matches in all competitions for the LaLiga champions, two of which were in the UEFA Champions League.

He has been part of three title-winning sides at PSG and was in the France squad who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Fulham have an option to make permanent a transfer in which their manager played an influential role, the player said.

"Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling," Areola told the club's official website. "He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"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."

Promoted Fulham make their Premier League return at home to Arsenal on Saturday September 12.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/1819076

WhiteJC

 Alphonse Areola: Fulham sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper on season-long loan
Fulham have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2020/21 season

Fulham have signed former Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan.

The goalkeeper will remain at Craven Cottage for the duration of the 2020/21 season, with Fulham holding an option to make the move permanent.

Areola spent last season on loan at Real Madrid as part of the deal which took Keylor Navas to the Parc des Princes.

After the deal was finalised, Areola told FFCtv: "I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.

"Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium.

"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 vice-chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan added: "I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

"We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!"

Fulham had competition for the French goalkeeper, who was interesting Rennes with their number one Edouard Mendy set to leave the club for Chelsea.


Alphonse Areola made four appearances in La Liga last season

Following Areola's departure from the Bernabeu last month, Real said: "The club would like to thank Areola for his dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct this season and wishes him the best of luck in this new chapter.

"Real Madrid also thanks PSG for the chance to have had Alphonse Areola as part of our squad."

Areola made nine appearances for Madrid last season with former Chelsea man Thibaut Courtois predominantly used as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

Fulham have made two close-season acquisitions following their return to the Premier League, with Mario Lemina joining on a season-long loan and Harrison Reed signing on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Lemina, who joined Southampton for £15.4m from Juventus in August, 2017, spent last season on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray.

Fulham have an option to make Lemina's loan move permanent if he impresses at Craven Cottage.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/12067620/alphonse-areola-fulham-sign-paris-saint-germain-goalkeeper-on-season-long-loan


WhiteJC

Boro complete loan move for Fulham keeper
Middlesbrough FC have completed the signing of the Fulham goalkeeper on a season-long loan.

Marcus Bettinelli joins Boro ahead of the Championship season opener against Watford on Friday evening.

The 28-year-old came through the ranks of the Fulham youth academy and has made over 120 appearances for The Cottagers.

Bettinelli made 14 appearances in the Championship last season for Fulham, as the club gained promotion to the Premier League.

Manager Neil Warnock has identified the goalkeeping position as an area that needs strengthening in the summer transfer window, allowing Tomas Mejias to leave Boro with Bettinelli coming in as first choice stopper.

Aynsley Pears has also been linked with a move away from Boro, as he looks for regular first-team football next season.

The move comes as Boro appointed Ian Bennett as the club's new goalkeeping coach last month, replacing Danny Coyne.



https://www.oneboro.co.uk/boro-news/boro-complete-loan-move-for-fulham-keeper-9920

WhiteJC

Alphonse Areola joins Fulham on loan

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has signed a one-season loan deal with the English club until 30 June 2021. The France international shotstopper (3 caps) is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2023 and the tie-up with the Cottagers includes a buy-out option.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has signed a one-season loan deal with the English club until 30 June 2021. The France international shotstopper (3 caps) is under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2023 and the tie-up with the Cottagers includes a buy-out option.

Areola came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, winning three Ligue 1 titles (2013, 2018 and 2019), two Coupes de France (2017 and 2018), two Coupes de la Ligue (2017 and 2018) and three Trophées des Champions (2016, 2017 and 2019) playing a total of 107 matches in all competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain wishes Alphonse all the best in the new challenges that now await him at the London club, back in the Premier League for the 2020-2021 season.



https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/content/alphonse-areola-joins-fulham-on-loan-mercato-transfert-psg

WhiteJC

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: Fulham vs Arsenal - will the Gunners top the table at 3pm on the opening Saturday of season?

The Gooner's Peter Le Beau previews Fulham vs Arsenal as the Gunners gear up for the opening game of the 2020-21 Premier League season

What can we expect from Arsenal's trip to Fulham?

The Gooner's Peter Le Beau takes a trip down memory lane while previewing Arsenal's trip to the Cottage on Saturday in this wonderfully warm piece. 

Read on for Peter's evocative article.

Whenever someone mentions Fulham Football Club to me I imagine a grainy black and white image of Craven Cottage back in the early 1960s.

Strange because I went to the ground many times but the black and white represents the fact that Craven Cottage always seems something of a throwback to a very different era.

The period of Johnny Haynes and Jimmy Hill, of Langley and Leggatt, of Cohen and Maurice Cook - all players of the fifties and sixties when Arsenal regularly travelled to that quaint and genuinely charming ground on the banks of the Thames.

The walk from Putney Bridge Undergound station through Bishops Park to the Cottage is enchanting, so different from almost any other approach to a football ground.

When you, as an away fan get into the ground the Putney End is ostensibly neutral but when I go, chockfull of Gooners.

I took two Arsenal-supporting friends, who had never been there, to our last fixture there about two years ago and they said after the match that they'd never enjoyed an away match more- but we did win 5-1 in the days when we thought Emeryball was the future.

Despite having said that Craven Cottage has a unique and wonderful atmosphere a game - a quite awful game - in the spring of 1967 was one of the most violent London derbies I have ever attended as Arsenal fans strove to take over the Hammersmith End.

Yet that Christmas watching Fulham and Chelsea I stood in the enclosure and was offered mince pies and champagne at halftime by a friendly Fulham fan.

That friendly face has normally been the one extended by Fulham fans and it has been a relatively lucky ground for us too.

On my first visit in the early sixties we won 4-1 with Geoff Strong scoring twice, the following year Joe Baker scored twice in a 4-3 victory.

In more recent years I saw Vito Mannone defy Fulham on a brilliant debut as we triumphed 1-0 through Rboin Van Persie. 

Per Mertesacker clinched an edgy 1-0 victory in 2013 and a few months later Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski drove  us to a 3-1 victory in the drizzle at the start of the season in which Mesut Ozil joined us.

And then the 5-1 extravaganza when Arsenal were kind enough to score most of their goals in front of ecstatic Gooners including that wonderful team goal topped off by Aaron Ramsey.

Fulham fans felt relegation was unavoidable that season because of poor recruitment and too much change to their promotion team.

They are scarcely more optimistic this time round but first games of the season are notoriously unpredictable and Arsenal are struggling to field an experienced defence.

We all hope that Gabriel and Saliba are the future...but are they the present, and will we have the midfield creativity that we exhibited two years ago?

Every new season brings either a sense of anticipation or dread often informed by our activity in the transfer market and our ability to re-sign our stars.

At this stage we wait with bated breath for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

We are curious about Willian and what he will bring, excited by the progress that will be made by Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli this season and desperately pray for signings in midfield that will provide a combination of solidity and and creative excellence.

But Saturday will come too soon for there to be any change in that direction.

We have given up on Emeryball in disillusion but have joyfully embraced the vision shown by Mikel Arteta.

We have to believe that however unsatisfactory our build up to the game we have too much to prevail on Saturday and to top the table at 3pm on the first Saturday of the season.




https://www.onlinegooner.com/articles/view/5379


WhiteJC

Fulham complete signing of PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan with an option to make his stay in London permanent

    Fulham have signed PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan
    The Premier League newcomers have an option to make the loan permanent too
    Areola has made over 100 appearances for PSG since making his debut in 2013

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and have made an improved offer of £17million for Lyon winger Bertrand Traore.

Areola, 27, has signed for the season with Fulham holding an option to make the move permanent next summer, while talks are ongoing with Lyon over a deal for former Chelsea winger Traore. That could yet hinge on whether Lyon sell Memphis Depay to Barcelona.

Areola signed on Wednesday evening and told the club's TV channel: 'Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me.


Fulham have signed Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan


Areola has made over 100 appearances for PSG and won the World Cup with France in 2018


'Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. 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.'

Director of football operations Tony Khan added: 'Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

'We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead.'


Areola (R) was on loan at Real Madrid last season, where he picked up a LaLiga winner's medal

Areola arrived as Marcus Bettinelli moved to Middlesbrough for the season.

Fulham remain in discussions over other positions too. Apart from Traore, they are strengthening their right back position with the additions of Kenny Tete from Lyon and Torino's Ola Aina.

They have also spoken again with Benfica over a loan with option for midfielder Florentino Luis.

Fulham have already completed deals for young full-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan and midfield duo Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina, both from Southampton.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8715649/Fulham-complete-signing-PSG-goalkeeper-Alphonse-Areola-loan.html

WhiteJC

Areola completes Fulham loan switch

aris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has joined Fulham on a season-long loan, the club have confirmed this evening.

The French international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, came through the PSG youth academy and honed his skills at the famed Clarefontaine development centre. The 27 year-old, who was part of the French squad that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018, has also won domestic titles in France and Spain. He helped Lens win Ligue 2, starred as Lens reached the League Cup final and then lifted Villarreal to fourth in La Liga and a run to the semi-finals of the Europa League in successive loan spells.

He has won back-to-back titles with PSG in recent years and made nine appearances for Real Madrid last season. Areola could well become Fulham's number one, despite Marek Rodak's exceptional performances after breaking into the side last season.

Areola told Fulham's official website:

"I am very happy everything is done. Scott Parker called me and I had a good feeling. He said he really wanted me. Fulham is a historic club in London and I have heard a lot about the stadium. 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's director of football operations Tony Khan said:

"I'm thrilled to welcome Alphonse Areola to our Fulham family! Alphonse has experience at the very highest level, as he's played in France's national team, won the league title with PSG, had success at RC Lens, Bastia and with Villarreal, and most recently he played for Real Madrid as they won La Liga last season.

We're excited that he's joining us, and he'll be an excellent addition to our squad as for our Premier League campaign ahead! Come on Fulham!



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/areola-completes-fulham-loan-switch/