In their pursuit of a world class striker, and having been linked to a number of high-profile players in that position including Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuain, Romelu Lukaku, Mauro Icardi and Alexander Lacazette, Arsenal seemed to have lost a grip on a potential transfer for a player of top notch quality in front of goal. However, the Gunners have not lost hope.
The Mirror reports that Arsenal will now move for Manchester City’s out-of-favor star Wilfried Bony, whose chances of featuring for The Citizens under new manager Pep Guardiola look slim after the arrival of Spanish international Nolito. It is likely that with Sergio Aguero, new boy Nolito and Nigerian starlet Kelechi Iheanacho in the squad, the Ivorian’s chances of featuring in important games are very slim.
Everton too are interested in bringing the striker on board, but with Arsenal in the mix, it is likely that they could land him ahead of their premier league rivals.
Bony, along with former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri and French defender Eliquim Mangala have been left out of Manchester city’s 21-man squad for the season.
That is according to The Sun, and now it seems that Guardiola is ready for a clear out in the summer.
Wilfried Bony arrived in the premier league in 2013, signing for Swansea for a club record fee of £12m. At Swansea, Bony scored an impressive 35 goals in 70 appearances in all competitions, 26 of which came in the Premier League. His impressive goal scoring ability then earned him a transfer to Manchester City in 2015, making him Swansea’s most expensive sale as well, and the most expensive African footballer of the time.
At City, Bony’s form in front of the goal dipped in its entirety, having scored only 10 goals for the club thus far.
In general, Bony is a strong, strong player. His ability to dominate defenders on set pieces as well as in open play are second to none. He is also good aerially, capable of scoring a goal upon receiving an aerial ball from either wing.
It might be too early to say that Bony has reached his potential or the fact that his dip in form at Manchester City is evidence to suggest that he will never be as good as he was while at Swansea. While at City, his goal tally has not been as impressive but his qualities up front have been visible from time to time.
Needless to say, Bony might not want Arsenal fans so direly desire at this very moment. There is little doubt however that the Ivorian has talent. Whether he is worth £30m is highly doubtful, and in this context, a transfer to Arsenal for the reported transfer fee seems unlikely.
