Why Crystal Palace must sign AS Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons
Crystal Palace have identified Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons as a prospective summer signing. The Selhurst Park side are yet to complete any major deals this summer. Damien Delaney, Jaroslaw Jach, Cheong-Yung Lee, Yohan Cabaye, Erdal Rakip, Bakary Sako and Diego Cavalieri have all left the Eagles.
Ruben-Loftus Cheek has also returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan. The only arrival this summer has been goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, who was signed for free after the expiry of his Getafe contract.
According to Sky Sports, Palace have made a £8.9m offer for Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons, who could secure a spot for himself in the heart of Roy Hodgson’s side.
Gonalons has been deemed surplus to requirements in Rome after just a single season. The Frenchman has failed to adjust to life in Italy after spending his whole career at Lyon prior to the move. Signed as a possible replacement for veteran Daniele De Rossi, Gonalons failed to nail down a place in the starting XI.
The former Lyon captain made just 12 Serie A starts and four substitute appearances. Gonalons still has three years remaining on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico, but Palace must tempt Roma into selling him.
The versatile midfielder can play as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder and as a centre-back. During his time at Lyon, Gonalons played 333 times for the club in 10 years, scoring 13 times. In addition, he has also been capped 8 times by France.
If Gonalons can settle down quickly and recapture the form that saw him become a mainstay at Lyon, he could give Palace plenty of options.
Given his experience, the Frenchman could partner Luka Milivojevic at the middle of the park. Blessed with strong aerial skills, vision and the ability to block the ball and make interceptions, he would be a top signing for Palace.
Gonalons is also a leader on and off the pitch and Palace will need someone like him after Delaney’s exit. However, the Eagles must fend off interest from Everton if Hodgson is to land his target this summer.
