Manchester City are believed to be in advanced discussions with Swansea City in relation to the potential transfer of Wilfried Bony.
The Ivory Coast forward, who is set for international duty at the African Cup of Nations, has been at the Liberty Stadium club since last summer, when they paid a club-record £12million to lure him from Vitesse Arnhem. This has proved to be every bit value for money, as the 26-year-old has gone on to score a total of 34 goals in 70 appearances for the Welsh club in all competitions.
However, his last minute equaliser against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last weekend may prove to be his last action for the Swans. According to a number of sources, including Sky Sports and BBC Wales, Manchester City are in discussions with the club in regards to taking the striker during the January window, for a fee which is believed to be in the region of £30million.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side, although joint-top of the table and in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, have had a difficult time with strikers this season. As sensational as Sergio Aguero has been at times, the Argentine is currently sidelined with injury, whilst Edin Dzeko is also on the treatment table and Stevan Jovetic has been rather injury-prone since his arrival in England.
Bony, who scored more than any other player in the Premier League during the 2014 calendar year with 20 goals, has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League, and last month he told The Mirror: “For sure, I want to play in that. If you score goals, always the bigger teams will look at you. Yes, one day I would love to play in the Champions League. That is what I am fighting for.”
Although losing Bony would be a huge blow for Swansea, they can at least breathe a sigh of relief that they persuaded him to sign a new contract in November. This deal removed a release clause which would have allowed him to move on for £19million, a fee which whilst would have given them a profit, is dwarfed by what they can now ask the Etihad Stadium club to pay for his signature.
Is Bony worth £30million, or perhaps Swansea should ask for even more? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
