Italian website Forza Roma have claimed that West Ham United have had a loan-to-buy bid rejected for AS Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez, despite the Spaniard playing back-up goalkeeper for much of the 2020-21 campaign.
Lopez, 26, has started Roma’s last four Serie A games and has made 12 outings in total for Paulo Fonseca’s side – conceding only nine goals and keeping four clean sheets. But he has been forced to watch much from the sidelines on 10 occasions in the league.
Fonseca has preferred 37-year-old veteran Antonio Mirante on occasion. Now, he has broken back into the side on a regular basis but had the chance to move to East London and rival Lukasz Fabianski for a place between the sticks under David Moyes.
A loan-to-buy bid is said to have been made for Lopez, who spent a season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur without making a single appearance. But Lopez himself has decided to reject it, insisting he wants to remain at Roma. He has a contract until 2024.
TBR’s view – Lopez could be the ideal long-term Fabianski replacement
Turning 36 in April, Fabianski is certainly in the twilight of his career. Having arguably produced his best performances a couple of seasons ago, Fabianski is still just as crucial to the West Ham side but might have slowed down a bit in terms of form.
A two-time Spain international, Lopez is only just getting started. Excellent with the ball at his feet, Lopez is also renowned for his shot-stopping ability and is particularly commanding from set-pieces. If West Ham want a Fabianski replacement, look no further.
