Arsenal set to make surprise £30m offer for striker

The Ivorian outcast stayed in Manchester on Sunday when City lost 3-2 to Wenger’s Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in Gothenburg.

And Etihad boss Pep Guardiola dropped a massive hint the ex-Swansea star is on his way out by later revealing Bony and centre back Eliaquim Mangala only remained Manchester City players “at the moment”.

It is understood factions at the Gunners are urging Wenger to sanction a move for the 27-year-old, as he is the best option available at the moment.

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But the Frenchman has yet to be convinced about signing a player who struggled to make an impact at City following his £25m move from Swansea in January of last year.

In Wales the powerful hitman was a massive success, scoring 34 goals in 56 starts but he has managed only ten with City.

Despite supporters’ constant calls for a new centre-forward, Wenger has stubbornly continued to support Frenchman Olivier Giroud and England star Theo Walcott in that position.

Wenger suffered a fresh setback yesterday when Brazilian defender Gabriel was ruled out for two months with an ankle injury.

Arsenal are already without centre-backs Per Mertesacker (knee) and Laurent Koscielny, who reported back late back for training following his run to the Euro 2016 final with France.