Report: West Ham to open talks with Real Madrid to sign Andriy Lunin

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West Ham United are expected to open talks with Real Madrid this coming week over a loan move for Andriy Lunin, with the Sunday Mirror (29/5; page 77) reporting that there may be scope for a deal that includes an option to buy.

The Hammers are yet to settle on their group of goalkeepers for next season. Lukasz Fabianski will stay. And there is still the potential for Alphonse Areola to stick around the London Stadium after his loan during this past campaign.

But perhaps West Ham will pursue a different option rather than stick with Areola. The Sunday Mirror (29/5; page 77) reports that the Irons are interested in Lunin.

The 23-year-old joined Real Madrid back in 2018. However, he has only managed to make five appearances for the club in all competitions. He has spent much of his time out on loan.

The Ukraine international is keen to head out again. But Los Blancos want assurances over his game-time before letting him go.

The Sunday Mirror notes that that would not suit West Ham. However, there is the possibility that a deal that includes an option to buy could yet be agreed. Madrid would also want a buy-back clause included.

The Mirror claims that he is valued at £13 million.

Interestingly, he is a former teammate of Areola’s. In fact, Madrid decided against keeping the Frenchman in 2020 and instead promoted Lunin.

West Ham to open Lunin talks

West Ham need to think about who will succeed Fabianski in the long-term. The Poland international will be 38 by the end of next season. And the Hammers are now firmly-established around the heavyweights in the Premier League.

Lunin is somewhat unproven at the highest level. But he would presumably initially get opportunities in the Europa Conference League and the domestic cups if he joined West Ham. And he has been Thibaut Courtois’ understudy at the Bernabeu all season.

Areola is obviously the safer pair of hands at this stage. But the Hammers may perhaps feel that pursuing a loan move for Lunin could end up being the better option.