David Sullivan and Djordje Petrovic
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 17 June 2025 19:40, UK
West Ham need to sign a goalkeeper this summer, and have identified Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic as a key target.
Lukasz Fabianski departed on a free transfer, and a new option to compete with and possibly usurp Alphonse Areola is necessary.
West Ham have been linked with several goalkeepers across Europe, but if they are to sign a potential long-term number one, they will need to dip deep into their transfer budget.
Petrovic looks likely to leave Chelsea this summer, and West Ham now have the perfect opportunity to sign him.
West Ham
Fabianski has departed West Ham
Chelsea set Petrovic asking price
Chelsea have now told Petrovic that he can leave this summer, after the goalkeeper refused to join their squad for the Club World Cup.
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The Athletic (17 June) have now reported that Chelsea have an agreement with Petrovic that he can leave if any club bids £25million for him.
Several clubs in England and Europe are interested in the 25-year-old, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg last season.
Competition Appearances Goals conceded Clean sheets
Ligue 1 29 33 10
Petrovic impressed for Strasbourg on loan
Petrovic does want to move to a club where he is a guaranteed starter, meaning that West Ham have to make a brutal decision.
Alphonse Areola
Areola had an inconsistent campaign (Credit: Imago)
West Ham need to make goalkeeping change
If Petrovic is to join, then he will not be sat behind Areola in the pecking order, and Graham Potter must make a goalkeeping change if it facilitates the Serb’s arrival.
Areola had an inconsistent season, and Petrovic could arrive as a younger option who can be the long-term number one.
This would require a significant investment though, and David Sullivan must show ambition by allowing West Ham to swoop in and pay Petrovic’s asking price before other clubs make their move.
While replacing Areola is not a strict priority for this summer, Petrovic is one of the best options on the market, as a younger but experienced goalkeeper who has played in the Premier League before.
At 32, Areola’s days as a number one are numbered, and given his inconsistent performances, the entire team may benefit from more stability between the sticks.
Areola has made 100 appearances for West Ham, but has been rotated at times amid spells of inconsistent form and injuries over the years.
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