Is Wilfried Bony on his way out of Manchester City?

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Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony is reportedly a transfer target for a number of clubs this summer with new manager Pep Guardiola unlikely to want a target-man type in attack for the new season. Sergio Aguero is the club’s first-choice centre-forward, while Kelechi Iheanacho looks set to be in the first-team this season as his deputy, and Bony may well be the one forced out to make way for a new arrival.

Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City, and the sale of Bony could fund part of the transfer. Signed from Swansea City in 2015, Bony has struggled to replicate the form he showed at the Liberty Stadium. He scored 35 goals in 70 games for the Welsh club, but managed just 10 goals in 46 for Man City.

While Aguero has quick-feet, clever off-the-ball movement, and is prolific in front of goal, Bony struggled to adhere to City’s fast-paced style of football, and was too technically deficient to link up with the side’s playmakers. Under new manager Pep Guardiola, the demand on Bony will be even greater which could see the player sold to a suitor.

Swansea City have been linked with their former striker, but it’s likely the Ivorian international will aim a bit higher when searching for a new club. Everton have reportedly made interest as they’re looking for a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who wants to leave Goodison Park in pursuit of Champions League football.

As for Wilfried Bony, the 27-year-old is expected to have plenty of offers as he does possess attributes that would be useful at the right club. He’s a powerful centre-forward who can muscle off defenders and steer crosses into the back of the net. Bony was a ruthless finisher at Swansea, but perhaps needs his confidence back to showcase his top form again.

Galatasary, Besiktas and Fenerbahce from the Turkish Super Lig are also reportedly keen on the striker, but may struggle to attract names due to a high-profile international incident leading to players wanting out of the country. The trio of clubs are known for signing ageing or out-of-form Premier League or European talents in an attempt to boost their own reputation, and Bony would be useful if they played to his strengths. However, a move to Turkey doesn’t appear likely this summer.

Bony has been in England for three years now, and would likely prefer a move that allows him to remain in the Premier League. Manchester City paid £25M for the Ivorian and would want to recoup the majority of the money back. Where will Bony end up?

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