Arsenal Handed Boost in Race for Wilfried Bony

Arsenal have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Liverpool target Wilfried Bony, as his current club Swansea City have re-opened negotiations with FC Twente for striker Luc Castaignos, according to the Express.

Arsene Wenger is in the market for a quality marksman who can help take the load of Giroud, who was Arsenal's only recognised striker during the previous campaign.

The French striker led the line through most of the season and at times looked fatigued during games. Thus, acquiring a striker is Wenger's top priority in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners have been linked to various strikers over the summer, with Mario Mandzukic and Diego Costa being the most talked about.

Bony moved to Swansea City last summer for a club-record £12m, after a prolific season with previous club Vitesse, in which he scored 31 goals in 29 matches in all competitions.

The Ivorian took very little time to settle into the pace and intensity of English football. He completed his first season in England with 16 goals in the league and a total of 27 goals in all competitions.

However, Swansea boss Garry Monk has been vocal about Bony's transfer speculation. He has made it clear that there has been no contact from any potential suitors and has insisted that the Welsh club have no intention of letting their star forward leave.

"There have been lots of stories, but we've had absolutely zero contact from anyone about Wilf and the fact is that as a club, we don't care anyway," Monk explained.

"We don't want to lose Wilf. We want him to stay with us and for him to be part of our future and the fact is that he is under contract. He is our player so it will be down to us to decide whether he stays or not.

"There is always going to be speculation about someone who scored as many goals as Wilf did last season.

"It's a part of football that when a player does well, he will be linked with other clubs, but Wilf is our player, so all the speculation doesn't matter," the former Swans player added.