The main transfer gossip surrounding Manchester City this transfer window is whether or not they will try to sign Swansea City’s Wilfried Bony and the story appears to be gathering pace.

Bony has so far been having a good season, with 9 goals and two assists in the league so far in 16 appearances. With the continued absence of Dzeko and Aguero Manchester City will obviously linked with strikers this window, but is Bony the right choice?

I have previously argued that this would be a slightly odd choice for Manchester City given that the Ivorian will be away at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on International duty at a time when City look like needing more immediate reinforcements.

Wilfried Bony is a player that shares attributes with both Aguero and Dzeko.

However, given the amount of attention the story is receiving, it bears looking at what the 26 year old could bring to the team.

Wilfried Bony’s pace and strength would certainly fill a gap in Manchester City’s squad. Just this past week illustrated his ability to turn a man, and then finish well past the keeper. This is what Manchester City would want the most from the Ivorian. In recent games, although we have played well without a striker, the need for a strong focal point in attack has been clear. Jovetic isn’t the kind of player to fulfill that role, and Aguero looks better when he has others making runs around him.

Wilfried Bony is a player that shares attributes with both Aguero and Dzeko. He has the hold-up play of the latter (unfortunately appearing to share the same touch at times) and the ability to shrug off players that is part of why Aguero is so dangerous.

At 26, Bony would be a signing who while not exactly in the flush of youth, would still be a player who can develop and improve while at Manchester City. The problem is the player would come with a hefty price tag due to the competition for his signature. Manuel Pellegrini has stated that Manchester City are “not thinking” about January, which could be due to the FFP restrictions both on squad size and expenses, but also most managers say this kind of thing ahead of a window regardless of actual plans.

Wilfried Bony is certainly a player with the potential to improve Manchester City, but the question is whether or not January is the right time to sign the striker. It would be preferable to sign him for a slightly lesser fee in the summer, but other clubs interest may prevent Manchester City from having the luxury of this option.