Chelsea have rejected an approach from Sunderland for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, while Stoke City are set to sign Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony.
Despite the arrival of Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreb, Chelsea are set to retain their second-choice keeper Asmir Begovic. David Moyes was looking to strengthen his options in goal after Vito Mannone ruptured ligaments in his elbow in training.
In his absence, young Englishman Jordan Pickford has stepped up to the plate, but Moyes is loking for more experienced reinforcements and Asmir Begovic would have been a top quality signing, giving his experience of 6 years in the Premier League with both Stoke City, Portsmouth and Chelsea.
According to The Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats failed in their last minute bid for the keeper. The 29-year-old stepped up to the plate last season and impressed for Chelsea between the posts when Thibaut Courtois was out injured or suspended.
Wilfried Bony Set For Stoke City Move
The Ivroian is set to leave Manchester City after a year and half with the Citizens. In that time, the 27-year-old has managed to score 10 goals in 46 appearances for what was then Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
After the acquisition of Nolito this summer and the ever-growing influence of youngster Kelechi Iheanacho, it seems as if Guardiola has no place for the former Swansea City man in his squad.
It is unclear whether the move is going to be a temporary loan move or a permanent one. Sky Sports report the Ivory Coast international was spotted at the Stoke City training ground, likely arrived for a medical.
Bony would join Joe Hart, who is moving to Torino and Eliaquim Mangala, who is set to move to Porto on loan, on the list of those who have fallen out of favour with manager Pep Guardiola. This move is a bit odd for City, giving the lack of top quality strikers in their squad. Nolito’s original position is out wide on the flanks whereas Iheanacho is too young.
If Sergio Aguero were to get injured again sometime during the season, they are likely to face problems in that area midway through the season, not something that would bode well in the race for the Premier League title.
