Jul 08, 2013 11:56 PM EDT
EPL Transfer News: Arouna Kone Completes Switch From Wigan to Everton as Roberto Martinez Raids Former Club

Roberto Martinez will be reunited with Arouna Kone after the Ivory Coast international completed his transfer from Wigan to Everton.

Kone, a forward Martinez brought in during his time with Wigan, becomes the new Everton manager's first summer signing with the Toffees paying the Latics a fee thought to be in the region of £6.5 million ($9.7 million).

"Everton have boosted their strikeforce with the signing striker Arouna Kone on a three-year deal," the club said in a statement on their official website.

"The Ivory Coast striker joins from Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee."

Martinez expects big things from Kone and is confident the 29-year-old can give his side another dimension up front.

"He's got everything that an Evertonian would expect of a striker," Martinez told evertontv.

"The work ethic, the technical ability to score goals -- that's always essential in a striker. But probably the biggest strength that Arouna has is that calmness in front of goal, that composure to be a real reference for the team.

"At his age, he is ready to take that important role that is going to be needed to break into the team and bring something different to the side.

"Arouna brought a real impact to his debut in the British game (last season). He had great experiences in Holland and a great transfer to the Spanish league.

"He had a bit of a tough time with his injury but he recovered himself really well to score many goals with Levante.

"His arrival to the Premier League has been a very successful and impressive one.

"To be able to be himself straight away, someone who copes with the physicality of the game but brings a really strong back-to-goal play in the forward position and with real quality finishing in his make-up.

"As a player I would say he is a complete footballer at a really good age. He has real good experience and is another exceptional addition to the strikers that we have at the club."

Kone scored 13 goals for Wigan last season, and that too despite spending time away with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

"I hope to be on target as frequently as possible here," Kone said.

"I have faith in my own ability but I hope that everything goes smoothly and that I can also steer clear of injuries.

"I think that with the quality of squad Everton has, we will have a good season. I hope to score as many goals as I can next season.

"Playing for Everton is moving to another level, a slightly higher standard compared to Wigan and so I hope to be on my best form.

"I really believe in this team and I think we will have a great campaign next season and I can't wait to make my debut for this club."

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