Swansea have completed the signing of Espanyol defender Jordi Amat, and a club-record deal for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony appears to be moving closer.
Amat, 21, arrived in south Wales yesterday to agree a four-year contract as part of his STG2.5 million switch (A$4.1 million), which is subject to the Spain Under-21 completing his medical.
Amat, who spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano, had long been on manager Michael Laudrup’s radar, and he becomes the second summer arrival at the Liberty Stadium, with the services of Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas already secured.
But strengthening his striking options is Laudrup’s main priority this summer, as he looks to ease the goalscoring burden on Michu.
Bids have been made for Bony, Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis, and Standard Liege forward Michy Batshuayi.
Bony’s agent, Francis Kacou, had told Arnhem newspaper De Gelderlander an STG10.2 million (A$16.8 million) deal for the Ivory Coast international had been done.
But Vitesse posted a statement on their website which read: “Various media have reported that Wilfried Bony is to transfer to Premier League club Swansea City. This message is incorrect.
“There is admittedly much interest in the striker, the top scorer in the Eredivisie last season, and Swansea City are one of the interested clubs. However, a transfer is not the case.”
Despite Vitesse’s statement, Press Association Sport understands a deal is likely to be completed for Bony to become Swansea’s record signing, with the fee being almost double the STG5.55 million paid for Pablo Hernandez last summer.
Swansea head to Holland next week as part of their pre-season preparations, potentially providing an opportunity to complete the formalities of the deal.
Bony himself told Voetbal International: “The clubs are talking. Swansea have made a bid and I hope it is good.
“Swansea is a wonderful club. It’s my chance to play in the Premier League and they also play attractive football.
“I understand from my agent that Swansea have 12 million euros to pay.
“This is the amount Vitesse wants to receive. I hope there is good news soon.”
Real Betis midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo is also set to join his former team-mate Canas in south Wales, while Swansea are looking to bring Jonathan de Guzman back to the Liberty Stadium on a second season-long loan.
Swansea have also made an offer for Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond, with defender Kyle Bartley being offered to the Blues as a makeweight.