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According to Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon, PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola wanted to join Chelsea this summer.

“We spoke a lot in the summer,” Lollichon told Le Figaro, according to Goal. “He wanted to come here, but the final decision was not my responsibility. It would have been a pleasure to work with him.”

Areola impressed during France goalless draw with Germany on Thursday and Lollichon believes the PSG goalkeeper is better than France and Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

“I didn’t have to wait until Thursday to discover Areola,” he said. “For me, he’s already the best French goalkeeper today.

“His size, his ball-playing qualities, his calmness – he’s the keeper most adapted to playing in the way of the team.

“We eulogise about Lloris too much, but Areola is above him.

“Against Germany, he was very good in his position and his ability to cut out balls behind his defence. It’s the base of any goalkeeper, but not everyone can do it as well. Alphonse is very pro-active.”