Lyon legend Gonalons flopped in Serie A with Roma so he could do with a fresh start in the Premier League at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United are ready to make an offer for Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons in the next few days, with Calciomercato claiming that the Magpies see the veteran as a ‘low cost’ addition in the centre of the park.
As Newcastle fans will be keen to point out, few players over the age of 30 have arrived at St James’ Park during the reign of Mike Ashley. The club’s abhorrent owner is famously reluctant to sign players in their peak years, preferring younger talents he can make a healthy profit out of.
So these links with Gonalons, who turned 30 in March, should be met with a degree of scrutiny.
But, if Ashley is willing to overlook his age, there is no reason why the eight-time France international couldn’t be one of Newcastle’s smartest signings in years.
Gonalons is not only vastly experienced, he is a leader too. This midfield pass-master captained Lyon for a number of years, making over 300 appearances for one of France’s top sides.
And while he hasn’t quite settled at either Roma or Sevilla in the last two years, Gonalons still has plenty to offer – particularly as he is likely to be available for little more than £5 million.
Calciomercato claims that Newcastle will send an offer Roma’s way this week. And this isn’t the first time The Magpies have attempted to lure Gonalons to Tyneside.
“Benitez wanted him a lot, and wanted him this summer at Newcastle,” his agent, Frederic Guerra, told Radio KissKiss, quoted by Napoli Online, in 2017.
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