Alvaro Gonzalez becomes Villas-Boas´ first Marseille signing

Alvaro Gonzalez has become Andre Villas-Boas’ first signing at Marseille after joining on an initial one-season loan from LaLiga side Villarreal.

The agreement includes an option for Marseille to purchase the Spanish centre-back on a permanent basis.

It is the first time the 29-year-old has played outside his homeland and he will be tasked with shoring up a defence that shipped 52 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

His arrival comes as a welcome boost for ex-Chelsea boss Villas-Boas, who has endured a difficult few weeks since replacing Rudi Garcia.

Marseille lost 2-1 to Accrington Stanley in a friendly in Manchester and were then routed 4-0 by Rangers at Ibrox.

Star striker Mario Balotelli left the club on a free transfer at the end of last term.

 Merci beaucoup pour cette opportunité, @OM_Officiel! Nouveau défi sportif  #StrongFastReal

 ¡Muchas gracias por la oportunidad, @OM_Officiel! Con muchas ganas de afrontar este nuevo reto deportivo #StrongFastReal pic.twitter.com/eGKvtHPrml

— Álvaro González (@AlvaroGonzalez_) July 19, 2019