Adebayor backs Arsenal's Toure for City

As Manchester City wait on John Terry to make up his mind about whether to join them, Emmanuel Adebayor has suggested another raid on his former club Arsenal will provide the perfect alternative. Kolo Toure is a target for City, owned by Sheikh Mansour, as they continue to shape a squad to compete at the top of the English Premier League. Despite Chelsea's insistence that Terry will stay and sign a new contract, the player himself has yet to confirm that. Until then, City remain hopeful. But they have other irons in the fire and Adebayor would welcome the addition of his ex-Gunners teammate if the Terry deal does not come off. "Kolo is a great friend of mine," he said. "He's a big player for Arsenal and a top defender. He knows this league really well. If the manager can get him, he can do what the club wants and needs from him. I'm sure about that. "I know how good Toure is and what this club needs now is a top quality defender like him or John Terry. "Terry is one of the best players in the world. It would be brilliant if he came." With fellow new signing Carlos Tevez struggling with a bruised heel that will keep him out for another week, Adebayor will make his debut for City in today's Vodacom Challenge final against the Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria. The striker's arrival from perennial title challengers Arsenal for £25 million (Dh151m) has been a major factor in why people like the Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp are tipping City to break into the top four and compete for the championship. Adebayor says that despite interest from AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid, he did not think twice about joining another English club when Arsene Wenger's side decided to sell him. "I am a player and the most important thing is to play football," he added. "Whether that is in England, abroad or Africa. I decided to join Manchester City and I have a lot of responsibilities which I have to take care of and to enjoy myself on the pitch and off the pitch." Can City fight for the title? "That's why I am here," he added. "We have got the squad and the players. We will fight on the pitch and see what we can achieve. If I come here it is because I think we can achieve that. We have the chance to fight against anyone." akhan@thenational.ae