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The speculation over Wilfried Bony has been going on since the summer and with Manchester City entering the fray now, it seems like it will finally end with Bony wearing the sky blue of City after less than two seasons since joining Swansea. The Welsh club’s manager Garry Monk confirmed that talks between the two clubs is going on but refused to divulge details of how far the negotiations have progressed.
Swansea bought the Ivorian on 11th July 2013 from Dutch club Vitesse for a record £12 million. The 26-year-old has performed admirably for the Swans, having scored nearly a goal every two matches (34 in 70 in all competitions).
Monk said, “Unless they reach the valuation we hold, then obviously no business can be done.
“There are talks between the two clubs and at this moment in time, it's ongoing.
“Obviously they have talked about fees, but whether they are close or far apart is unclear at the moment.
“It's important that whatever happens, whatever player that we try to make agreement with or sell, that it reaches the valuation that Swansea hold.”
I would like to play in the Champions League: Bony
Bony, who is currently on National team duty with Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations, had recently admitted to wanting to play in the Champions League.
He said, “Would I like to play in the Champions League? Why not!
“Every player wants to play in the Champions League and World Cups, it's the wish of every player.”
Bony had scored the most goals, 20, in the Premier League in 2014, two more than possible future teammate, Sergio Aguero. However, Swansea, reportedly, want £30 million for their striker and with City’s financial strength, it looks like he has already played his last match for the Welsh club.
If City do pay the amount for Bony, it will be Swansea’s record sale, double of what Liverpool paid (£15 million) for Joe Allen.
Wilfried has been fantastic for me: Monk
Monk talked about his last conversation with Bony and said that he enjoyed working with him.
He said, “I spoke to him after the QPR game and just wished him all the best for the Africa Cup of Nations. That's the only conversation I've had with Wilfried.
“Wilfried has been fantastic for me, I've enjoyed working with him daily and improving him.
“If the two clubs agree the right fee for Swansea City then I'm sure that deal will be done and we'd wish Wilfried all the best. But if not, he comes back to Swansea and then it's the same as normal.”
Manchester City have been struggling with the fitness of their strikers since the departure of Alvaro Negredo to La Liga. Aguero and Stevan Jovetic have intermittently been sidelined due to injury while Edin Dzeko has also spent a lot of time in the Physio room.
However, when all the strikers are fit, provided City sign Bony, two to three of City’s strikers will have to sit on the bench. Whether Bony will be able to break into City’s XI and if not, will he be happy on the bench, is a debate for another time.
