West Ham United have joined the race to sign midfielder Maxime Gonalons from Roma, according to Il Tempo.
The Italian newspaper report in their print edition (4/08) that the Hammers have joined fellow Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Everton in the chase for the 6″2 (source: Transfermarkt) star from Serie A before the transfer window shuts next week.
The Irons have emerged as a possible destination for the Frenchman after Roma began to show an interest in signing Seville midfielder Steven N’Zonzi – meaning that he is likely to be sold by the Italian outfit.
OPINION
Gonalons has emerged as a possible target for three clubs including West Ham, and he appears to be the ideal new signing for boss Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean has stated that he was seeking out a defensive midfielder, and this is the position that Gonalons largely operates in. Should West Ham be successful in bringing him to the London Stadium, he will join the eight signings that the Hammers have already made, which is set to rise in the coming days with deals for other players close to being completed. He made 23 appearances for Roma last season, indicating what an integral player he is in the side – and Pellegrini will undoubtedly be hoping he can bring his sense of commitment should he decide to make the move to East London. The Hammers would have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the 29-year-old, as he has said that he is unsure about a move to Selhurst Park – meaning that they have an advantage when it comes to signing him, as they only face competition from Everton.
