Could Bony lead our attack next season?
According to The Telegraph, West Ham are looking at Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony as an alternative to Michy Batshuayi if we can’t secure the Marseille man’s services at the end of the season.
It has been widely reported that we are keen on Batshuayi. He fits the bill as a £20 million striker and is second top scorer in Ligue 1 this season behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Bilic is said to be interested in meeting Batshuayi soon, and Payet has put in a good word about the club. However, there is also interest from Tottenham as they look for a striking alternative to Harry Kane for next season. If Batshuayi ends up moving to Spurs or elsewhere, then there is a good chance that a move for Bony could be on the cards.
Bony is now rated at about £20 million, with his transfer fee dropping since his move to Manchester City. It would be unlikely that Bony is a player that Guardiola would be keen on keeping, which means that he would be available in a summer clear out at City. The problem at the moment would be Bony’s astronomical wages that Sullivan and Gold would want to negotiate down before any move could progress forward. Bony reportedly earns £100,000 a week, plus £20,000 in game bonuses.
According to The Telegraph, Sullivan actually wanted Bony before we signed Andy Carroll in 2013 but the deal never materialised.
Bony’s Premier League record for Swansea was terrific. The Ivorian poacher hit 25 in 54 league matches, just shy of 1 in every 2 games. His Vitesse record of 46 in 65 is sensational, despite being in a lesser league, and at 27 he still has years left at the top level.
£20 million for a Premier League proven striker is reasonable, especially when his Manchester City record is taken into account. 6 in 31 league appearances (despite majority being as a sub) has reduced his value and this could suit West Ham.
At City, he has always played second fiddle to Sergio Aguero, whereas if he joined the Hammers it is likely he would be first choice striker. With Payet, Lanzini and Antonio around him he would score goals without question.
Batshuayi appears to be the player Bilic wants most, but Bony isn’t a bad second option. Similar to Benteke, we won’t be paying his current wages but if they can be cut down significantly then there is no reason why a deal wouldn’t be a possibility in the summer.
