---
title: "PSG star Alphonse Areola wanted to join Chelsea this summer"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2018/09/07/psg-star-alphonse-areola-wanted-to-join-chelsea-this-summer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2018-09-07T13:17:57Z"
modified: "2018-09-07T13:17:57Z"
---

# PSG star Alphonse Areola wanted to join Chelsea this summer

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola wanted to join Chelsea this summer, according to Blues goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon.

Speaking to [French newspaper Le Figaro, as cited on Inside Futbol](https://www.insidefutbol.com/2018/09/07/paris-saint-germain-star-wanted-chelsea-move-blues-coach-says/389193/), Lollichon confirms that he spoke to the player about a potential move to Stamford Bridge over the summer.

> We had a lot of discussions this summer, in a very reasoned way. He wanted to come here, but the final decision was not my responsibility.

![Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/928174010.jpg)

Areola was part of the World Cup-winning squad with France over the summer but is now facing a battle to be Paris Saint-Germain’s number one this season following the arrival of Gianluigi Buffon.

The Blues were in the market for a new goalkeeper when it became clear that Thibaut Courtois would be moving on.

A host of players were[linked with a move](https://readchelsea.com/2018/07/22/chelsea-linked-with-a-deal-for-alphonse-areola/) to London, including Areola, Sergio Rico and Brazilian goalkeeper Neto.

However, it was Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa that Chelsea signed, with the Spaniard joining for a world-record fee.