Incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is keen on signing John Stones from Everton this summer and is even prepared to offer Wilfried Bony in exchange to sweeten the deal.
According to reports from The Sun, Guardiola considers Bony as a surplus to requirement at The Etihad and is willing to offer him plus 20 million to sign Stones.
City are also reportedly in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer which would further limit Bony’s game time at The Etihad.
Bony has scored just 6 goals in 36 league games across last two seasons. The 27-year old striker is eyeing regular playing time next season which can only come away from The Etihad.
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As for Everton, this could be the best scenario given Romelu Lukaku’s uncertain future at Goodison Park. Lukaku has been linked with a move to Juventus, Chelsea and Arsenal but the 65 million asking fee from the Toffees has been the stumbling block so far.
According to reports, Lukaku is certain to quit Everton this summer, which would then push Everton to negotiate a deal with City for Stones as Guardiola has made him his priority signing after missing out on Aymeric Laporte earlier in the season.
Would Stones fit in at City?
Given Pep Guardiola’s tactics of fielding a ball-player at the heart of his defence, John Stones would be a readymade answer for the Spaniard.
Amongst the current crop of Premier League defenders, Stones is one of the few who can really come out with the ball at a great deal of ease.
Although the 22-year old was criticised for overdoing it at times last season but under Guardiola’s astute management, he would learn to find the right balance between coming out with the ball and not taking unnecessary risks.
Is Bony the best answer for Everton?
Given the current scenario, it may well be the best option Ronald Koeman can have. He is certain to lose Lukaku in the coming weeks and Bony, by all means, is a proper goal scorer.
His time at Man City was cut short due to Sergio Aguero’s presence up top but we have seen him score at regular intervals for Swansea in the past.
Koeman will also build a new team at Goodison and Wilfried Bony may just be the right start given he will be offered beside the cash for John Stones.
