Ivory Coast forward could be backbone to Swansea’s campaign

It was the inspired signing of Michu which led Swansea City to their impressive 2012/13 campaign, which ultimately ended with a ninth-placed finish and Capital One Cup glory.

The Spaniard scored 22 goals in his first season in English football following a bargain £2million arrival from Rayo Vallecano, and his instant impact has encouraged boss Michael Laudrup to make early transfer moves this summer.

The Dane has been the most active Premier League manager in the current transfer window, bringing in no fewer than seven players – most notably Jonjo Shelvey from Liverpool and Jonathan De Guzman on a second consecutive season-long loan from Villarreal.

It could be another arrival which proves the most vital though.

The Swans are reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of the Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Bony from Vitesse Arnhem for around £13million, fresh off the back of him scoring 37 goals in 36 appearances last season.

Goalscoring success in the Eredivisie doesn’t always translate to the Premier League of course, but for every Mateja Kezman and Afonso Alves there is a Ruud van Nistelrooy and Luis Suarez, and Laudrup will be hoping that Bony follows in the footsteps of the latter pair.

If the 24-year-old can fire, then the 7/1 on offer for Swansea to win the league without the big six (Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool) could suddenly look very long.

Juggling European commitments with domestic dates will prove a challenge of course, but Laudrup’s squad additions point to the Swans now possessing a stronger group than last season.

Everton are the heavy favourites in the market at 13/10, but with the removal of the stability provided by David Moyes and question marks over the futures of star duo Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, it may be wise to avoid Roberto Martinez’s Blues.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication