According to the Express, West Ham are confident in their pursuit of Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons. The Frenchman is one of the players expected to leave the club this summer as the Italian giants look to cut down on wages after a disappointing campaign. As a result, they are willing to listen to offers for the former Lyon prodigy.
Everton are also courting courts Gonalons, but the Hammers are confident they can beat the Toffees in the race to sign this out of favour midfielder.
Gonalons’ disastrous spell at Roma
After impressing at Lyon, Gonalons initially joined AS Roma in 2017 for a fee of €5 million. But, the Frenchman endured an awful debut campaign in Italy, making only 16 appearances in the league. He was often overlooked while a calf injury also played its part in minimising his game-time to just 1,093 minutes.
As a result, the midfielder was shipped out to Sevilla on a season-long loan deal last summer. But, he was once again unfortunate with injuries, notably suffering from a knee problem and a torn abductor muscle that kept him out on the sidelines for nearly the entirety of the season.
Gonalons ended the campaign featuring in only 536 minutes of league football, and with Roma failing to secure Champions League football next season, the 30-year-old could be on the chopping block this summer.
What can Gonalons bring to the table?
Gonalons is predominantly a defensive midfielder, who is known for his tackling prowess. The Frenchman can win back possession for his team either by making a strong tackle or completing a smart interception, which, in turn, suggests his ability to read the game. He is also an excellent passer of the ball and is adept in switching the play with accurate long balls.
However, what makes him such a capable defensive midfielder is his tall 187cm frame that gives him a considerable advantage in the air. It also allows him to become a direct threat from set-pieces.
Should West Ham make a move for Gonalons?
West Ham will have to prepare for life without Declan Rice sooner rather than later. And Gonalons, in that regard, could be a smart short-term replacement for the young midfielder, who has been a subject of significant transfer interest from Manchester United.
Aside from that, the Frenchman will be able to provide some much-needed competition in midfield that has struggled with injuries to key players throughout last season. And given his recent struggles, AS Roma might be willing to ship him out for a cut-price this summer – making him an ideal target for the Hammers.
