Transfer latest: Swansea confirm capture of record signing Wilfried Bony from Vitesse Arnhem

Striker will join on a four-year-deal subject to a work permit after personal terms were agreed and he passed a medical

Wilfried Bony (GETTY IMAGES)

Swansea have confirmed the signing of striker Wilfried Bony for a club record fee of £12 million after the Ivory Coast international joined from Vitesse Arnhem.

The Swans announced the deal on their official club website, and he will join the Swans on a four-year-deal, subject to a work permit.

The Welsh club are currently in Holland on a pre-season tour, and took the chance to complete Bony’s medical and agree personal terms that will see him move to the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking on the club website, Bony said: “This move has been talked about for quite some time, so I am delighted it is all completed.

“Now it is important that I focus my mind on the challenge ahead because I hope to make the Swansea fans very happy.’’

Bony had a hugely successful year last season, scoring 31 goals in 30 games Eredivisie, and he claimed both the league top goalscorer award and the Dutch Player of the Year title.

His goals ensured Vitesse qualified for the Europa League qualification rounds after they finished fourth in the league, meaning they could meet Swansea at some stage of the tournament.

Bony admitted that the Capital One Cup winners participation was a big factor in his decision to join the club.

“The Europa League is my first focus,’’ he admitted. “I enjoy playing in Europe; I am used to it.’’

He has 20 caps for the Ivory Coast, scoring eight times on the international stage and he was part of the national side that reached the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals earlier this year.

“I am looking forward to joining the training camp out here in Holland as a Swansea player and building up good communications with the team and coaching staff as quickly as possible,” Bony added.

The fee more than doubles their previous record, which was the signing of Pablo Hernandez last year for £5.5m. Bony will by likely to link up with Hernandez and last year's star signing Michu as Michael Laudrup continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the European run.