Roma has convinced midfielder Maxime Gonalons to leave Lyon and join the capital side, announcing in a statement Monday the completion of a modest €5-million deal.
The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract with the Giallorossi.
The move to Italy is Gonalons' first away from the France. He joined Lyon as a 10-year-old and went on to captain Les Gones for several seasons.
"After speaking with (Roma sporting director) Monchi and the coach about their ambitions, I did not hesitate for a moment," the Frenchman said. "For this reason there were no issues and everything was agreed very quickly. I cannot wait for this new adventure."
Gonalons made his debut for Lyon in 2009 and appeared on 333 occasions for the club, gaining a reputation as a holding midfielder with a solid sense of positioning.
A proficient tackler who can also play in a traditional central midfield role, Gonalons will compete for a spot in manager Eusebio Di Francesco's lineup with defensive-minded Kevin Strootman.
"Maxime is a footballer of international stature," Monchi said. "In addition to his technical ability, we are delighted to add his experience and personality to our group."
Gonalons is the latest of Lyon's recent protagonists to depart the Rhone-Alpes region this summer, with Corentin Tolisso securing a transfer to Bayern Munich and prolific striker Alexandre Lacazette on the verge of joining Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Monchi has attempted to reinvigorate Roma after the profitable sales of Mohamed Salah and Leandro Paredes. After receiving a combined €65 million for the pair, Roma spent just €10 million repurchasing academy graduate Lorenzo Pellegrini from Sassuolo and half of that to acquire Gonalons.
