**West Ham** are actively searching for a new goalkeeper, with the position now considered a priority, [Claret & Hugh](https://www.claretandhugh.info/category/news/) has learned this afternoon.
With Łukasz Fabiański released at the end of last season, Alphonse Areola remains the club’s current No.1. However, there’s growing belief that Graham Potter is seeking a change between the sticks to better suit his possession-based system.
While Areola is an excellent shot-stopper, his limitations with the ball at his feet were exposed in the second half of last season, particularly after Potter’s shift in tactics.
When C&H contacted a training ground source to ask about possible changes in defence—specifically regarding Nayef Aguerd—we were told:
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see a keeper arrive first. We have been looking.”
No specific names were confirmed, but it would probably make sense for West Ham to be in the market for a new goalkeeper—especially following the arrival of specialist coach Linus Kandolin, who previously worked under Potter in Sweden.
Aaron Ramsdale has been strongly linked with a move to the London Stadium and is believed to have made clear his intention to leave Southampton. Whether he is the club’s top target remains unclear, but it’s evident the search for a new No.1 is well underway.
With Potter’s desire to build from the back, a ball-playing goalkeeper does make sense but surely we are in desperate need of those elusive midfielders first?