Roma have confirmed Steven Nzonzi has joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan deal with an option to a permanent deal.
Galatasaray can sign N'Zonzi on a full-time basis for €16m (£14.6m) or they can pay a €500,000 (£456,860) fee to extend his loan spell for another season.
The Turkish giants would then have the chance to sign N'Zonzi during the second year for a reduced price of €13m (£11.9m).
Nzonzi only joined Roma from Sevilla 12 months ago but was deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Paulo Fonseca.
Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim has been on the market for a new defensive midfielder after sanctioning Fernando’s departure earlier in the summer.
Galatasaray have already signed Jean Seri on loan from Fulham and Nzonzi’s arrival only strengthens their claim as title favourites.
The defending Super Lig champions will now prioritise the arrival of a new striker, with Monaco star Radamel Falcao the club’s preferred option.
Nzonzi, 30, made 30 league appearances for Roma last season and garnered a respectable WhoScored rating of 7.06.
Furthermore, of players who attempted at least 75 aerial duels in Serie A last season, only two players had a better success rate than Nzonzi (66.9%).
