Official: Manchester City sign Bony

The Ivory Coast international has completed a reported €35 million move to the Etihad Stadium as Manuel Pellegrini boosts his striking options in a bid to retain the Premier League. Manchester City have completed the signing of striker Wilfried Bony from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.

Injury to topscorer Sergio Aguero, coupled with the lack of form and fitness of Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, forced Manuel Pellegrini to field James Milner up front recently but City have moved quickly to secure a player they hope can boost their strikeforce in the race for the Premier League title.

Bony, who could be unavailable until mid-February if Cote d'Ivoire reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, was the Premier League's topscorer in 2014 with 20 goals, meaning City now have the three leading scorers of the past year on their books (Bony, Aguero, Yaya Toure)

The 26-year-old's base salary of €97,000, plus bonuses, is believed to be roughly what Matija Nastasic earned, with the Serbian defender moving to Schalke on loan earlier in the window as City look to balance their books with Financial Fair Play in mind.

"He is very difficult to mark because he is so strong," said Pellegrini of the Ivorian. "He is an intelligent footballer who has skill and power.

"His goals record has been excellent since he came to England. He adapted very quickly to the game here and I think he will settle in at City quickly.

"He will be a very good addition to our squad. We now have four top class strikers and I am looking forward to seeing them work together." (Goal)