Kone 2012

Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone on a three-year-deal after completing his move from La Liga side Levante for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old becomes Roberto Martinez’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window and is on the back of a prolific season in Spain’s top flight, scoring 15 goals to finish as the division’s joint-ninth top scorer

It looks like Wigan have moved to replace Hugo Rodallega, who moved to Fulham, in their squad. Kone's age suggests that he should be in his prime, and he has been around European football for a while. But before last year's 15-goal haul, he had been on a virtual hiatus since moving to Spain. At first, he couldn't break into a loaded Sevilla side, and then he suffered a serious knee injury.

Hopefully for the Latics, last season was a true representation of the player, and not some form of footballer dead cat bounce. And hopefully for fantasy managers, the Latics that ended the season in really, really good form will be the team that takes to the field starting against Chelsea this weekend.

Two quick caveats:

1) Kone is a devout Muslim and will be observing Ramadan. The month-long holiday ends this Friday, so it may not impact the weekend's fixtures, but it is something of which to be aware. And to be fair, Kone may not have been in contention for a starting role this week having just signed.

2) Kone, along with the league's other African players, will miss time in January 2013 for the latest edition of the fantasy manager's least favorite tournament, the African Cup of Nations.