Chelsea goalkeeping coach confirms interest in PSG star

Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has revealed that the Blues were considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola during the recent transfer window.

The Blues had stepped up their pursuit for a new shot-stopper after Thibaut Courtois made his mind up to join Real Madrid and this saw them linked with the likes of Jordan Pickford and Kasper Schmeichel.

However, ultimately they secured the services of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao instead but Lollichon has admitted that things could have been different if Areola was permitted to leave Parc des Princes.

"We spoke a lot in the summer," he 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 found himself behind Gianluigi Buffon during the first few weeks of the new Ligue 1 season but he has since commanded a regular spot between the sticks.

He made his debut for France in the goalless stalemate against Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night and this saw him create a unique history as he became the first debutant to have already acquired a World Cup winners' medal.