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Donnarumma and Lafont should be targets if PSG covet new goalkeeper

Paris Saint-Germain's Alphonse Areola has told TF1's Telefoot that the French capital outfit informed him before the end of last season that they intend to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

The 24-year-old experienced a turbulent first full senior campaign at Parc des Princes and after waiting to dislodge Kevin Trapp as coach Unai Emery's first choice, the former France under-21 international then lost his place after a combination of individual errors and poor collective displays.

Areola, a PSG youth academy graduate, could find himself demoted to the role of third choice shot-stopper this summer if Les Parisiens do sign somebody else.

However, more likely is that the Paris-born Franco-Filipino or German positional rival Trapp -- possibly both -- leave in the event another keeper arrives in Paris this summer.

Areola has already made it clear that he in no way intends to risk being demoted to PSG's No. 3 role, so it could be a busy transfer window between the sticks for Emery and newly installed sporting director Antero Henrique.

Who could the recently deposed ex-Ligue 1 champions get as an upgrade? Which top-quality goalkeepers would consider a move to France? Will signing a new shot-stopper tighten up a leaky defence or worsen what has been a messy situation since Trapp's arrival back in 2015?

Situation

Before looking at potential new goalkeepers for PSG, an explanation as to why the Qatari-owned club find themselves considering a new face in goal as one of a number of changes in a much need rebuild ahead of next season.

From the very first minute Emery arrived at Parc des Princes, he was quizzed on who his No. 1 would be.

Whether the Spaniard had a preference for Areola or Trapp or not, the position immediately became an issue and pressure was heaped upon both players and the boss himself faced weekly questioning on the topic.

Emery's failure to swiftly establish a goalkeeping hierarchy smashed the confidence of both, notably Areola, because of the pressure they found themselves under whenever they featured.

Both Trapp and Areola did commit mistakes throughout the campaign, but it was no surprise considering the Basque tactician had failed to back either as his undisputed first choice.

Emery cannot afford to make the same mistake next term as the instability among the goalkeeping ranks must be brought to an end.

Therefore, the argument for one of Areola or Trapp being kept for next season in an undisputed starting role is relatively strong.

The candidates

1. Hugo Lloris

If PSG are to move on from Areola and Trapp, the obvious candidate to replace them is Tottenham Hotspur captain Lloris.

Not only is one of Europe's best, he is French, experienced, is skipper for club and country and is still only 30 years old.

However, Lloris' close relationship with Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino -- himself a former PSG player and captain -- makes a move for one without the other unlikely.

2. Jan Oblak

Unlikely now because of Atletico Madrid's transfer registration ban until next January, Oblak would have been another strong contender.

Another of the continent's finest, the 24-year-old Slovenia international might have been obtainable if Diego Simeone's men could have done some shopping to replace him.

Oblak is now more likely to sign a contract extension at Wanda Metropolitano than make a move to a team like PSG.

3. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Perhaps the most intriguing option potentially within PSG's reach this summer is AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The 18-year-old is already a full Italy international and is seen by many as the heir to Gianluigi Buffon's throne -- including the legendary Juventus goalkeeper himself.

Donnarumma is the subject of intense speculation with his contract up in the summer of 2018, and if PSG were prepared to go big for Oblak, then they should be prepared to go as high -- if not a bit higher -- for the Azzurri starlet.

4. Alban Lafont

There is talent within Ligue 1 worth considering, too, with Toulouse's Lafont arguably the pick of the bunch.

Like Donnarumma, the Burkina Faso-born France under-20 international already boasts significant experience at senior level for someone so young.

If PSG move for the 18-year-old this summer, they will be securing a player who could potentially be between the sticks for the next 10-20 years.

5. Iker Casillas

One final option available to PSG, particularly now that Henrique has been installed as sporting director, is FC Porto's Iker Casillas.

Few come more experienced than the 36-year-old, and although his best years are arguably behind him, Emery might feel more comfortable rebuilding a flaky defence with the Spain international in goal than Areola or Trapp.

Casillas would probably be the cheapest of all of these options in terms of transfer fee, but likely command a higher salary than most.

Conclusion

If Emery's confidence in both Areola and Trapp has been irrevocably shaken, then PSG should be doing everything they can to sign Donnarumma.

However, should the former Sevilla boss get a new man between the sticks, he has to make him his undisputed first choice and stick with him through any teething problems in Paris.