Everton have signed striker Arouna Kone from Wigan on a three-year deal. The club didn’t disclose the transfer fee, but Kone was being chased by Newcastle United and Swansea City, among other clubs, so the signing is quite a coup for Roberto Martinez and the Toffees.

Kone had a strong season for Wigan Athletic last year with 11 goals scored in 33 league appearances. The former PSV and Sevilla striker played for the entire 90 minutes in Wigan Athletic’s historic FA Cup Final victory against Manchester City at Wembley.

According to the club website, Kone “has played his part in three African Cup of Nations campaigns and was also selected for the World Cup in Germany in 2006.”

Kone will join up with his Everton teammates later this month (presumably at the International Champions Cup matches in the United States) in order to gain additional rest after playing for his nation after the 2012-13 Premier League season ended.

What’s your opinion about Everton’s signing of Arouna Kone? Can the Ivory Coast striker make a difference at Goodison Park? And will he provide the spark that Martinez needs up front to score the goals for Everton Football Club? Have your say in the comments section below.