Source: Telegraph
Kolo Toure completes move from Arsenal to Manchester City
The Ivory Coast international, City's sixth summer signing, is thought to have agreed a deal worth around £120,000 a week, almost twice the amount he earned at the Emirates.
After travelling to Manchester from Arsenal's Austrian training camp for a medical at the city's Bridgewater Hospital, the player visited City's Carrington base before concluding the formalities of the deal.
"I felt the time was right for a new challenge and I am still at an age, 28, where I feel I am at my peak and will play my best football," Toure said. "The ambition here is clear to see and is big. Everyone knows this club is moving and that is really, really important."
Hughes said: "It is no secret that we have been looking to strengthen our defense, and in Kolo I feel we have recruited a world-class player. He brings a wealth of Premier League experience from his seven seasons with Arsenal.
"Kolo has been a central figure in a very strong Arsenal team for many years, and I have been an admirer of him for a long time. He is strong, quick, reads the game well and will be an influential figure in the dressing room."
Hughes, having failed to land John Terry, moved swiftly to reignite his interest in Toure, who he first tried to sign in January, and is likely to spend further as he attempts to provide his defence with the depth City's summer spree has lent his attack.
The Eastlands club have made a second offer, worth £19 million, for Everton defender Joleon Lescott. It is believed the Goodison Park club, who rejected a £15 million bid earlier this month, are determined to turn down the improved terms. Everton may be tempted to sell should City agree to pay £30 million, although Hughes believes he will be able to land Lescott for a more reasonable price should the player make it clear he wishes to leave.
Should Lescott fail to do so, or Everton refuse to do business, it is believed Hughes will turn his attentions to Roma defender Philippe Mexes. The France international would cost around £15 million and is available, thanks to the Italian side's parlous financial state.
Nedum Onuoha, the England Under-21 defender, on Wednesday agreed a new five-year deal which will keep him at Eastlands until 2014.
