Wilhelmsson signs for Roma

The Serie A giants will have the option to sign the World Cup star on a permanent contract at the end of the season.

Wilhelmsson arrived at Roma's headquarters in Trigoria on Tuesday, where he passed a medical before signing terms with the Giallorossi.

He links up again with coach Luciano Spalletti, for whom he had a trial at Udinese several years ago, and becomes Roma's second signing of the transfer window so far after striker Francesco Tavano also penned a deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

Wilhelmsson had struggled to fit in at Nantes since his summer move from Belgian club Anderlecht, and makes the move after his agent revealed Nantes' style no longer matches his ambitions.

"His chances of staying at Nantes are very slim," Fabio Alho said.

"Christian likes attacking," he continued. "The coach sees football differently. That's his right, but it's better for everyone if Christian leaves, at least until June."

Premiership side Middlesbrough were also thought to be interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Meanwhile, Nantes have signed striker Luigi Pieroni from Auxerre in a deal that will see the Belgian international stay in Burgundy until the end of the 2009 season.