AS Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons has apparently been contacted by West Ham United for a move to the London Stadium this summer.
Gonalons is expected to return to Roma after his loan spell with Sevilla comes to an end next month, and but he is expected to move out on another loan spell, as per French outlet L’Equipe.
West Ham United finished tenth in the Premier League standings last season, and with a few new additions, Manuel Pellegrini’s side will be primed to challenge for a place in Europe next season.
The Hammers could do with more steel in their midfield, so Gonalons’ potential arrival makes sense. Apart from West Ham, Everton are also believed to be in the race to sign the Frenchman.
Maxime Gonalons: Profile
Gonalons is a product of the French football setup, having spent his youth career at Villefranche and Lyon, before eventually breaking into the Lyon senior team.
The 30-year old spent eight years at Lyon before his move to Serie A outfit AS Roma in the summer of 2017.
Last season, he was shipped out on a season-long loan deal to Sevilla, but injuries hindered his progress. The 30-year-old suffered a fractured fibula in September, and then fractured his ankle in November. The injuries meant he could never really cement his place in the Sevilla starting lineup.
Gonalons managed to muster just 5 starts and as many substitute appearances in La Liga last season.
Why Pellegrini should sign Gonalons
Gonalons is a formidable player with plenty of experience under his belt. He is an astute passer of the ball and is a dominating figure in the air.
Defensively a very diligent customer, Gonalons has the ability to sit in front of the back four and shield the defence. The Frenchman is a battle-hardened and hard-working midfielder and would add more toughness to the West Ham midfield.
Although he is unfamiliar with English football, he should be able to adjust because of his ability and experience.
Gonalons will be available on loan, so he would be a pretty shrewd acquisition as the Hammers won’t have to break the bank for him and can focus on strengthening other areas of the pitch at the same time.
Another Numpty. We need a classy EPL experienced player or an established o/seas player with form as good or better than Arnie.