French football expert Philippe Auclair believes Swansea City's signing of Andre Ayew is a "huge statement of intent" ahead of the new Premier League season.
Ayew arrived on a free transfer from Marseille last week, with the forward penning a four-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.
The Swans saw off competition from a number of European clubs to secure the services of the forward, who has won 62 caps for Ghana.
And Auclair was in no doubt about what Ayew can bring to both Swansea City and the Barclays Premier League.
Dear @SwansOfficial fans, congratulations. You've just got yourself a terrific player. #AndreAyew
— Philippe Auclair (@PhilippeAuclair) June 10, 2015
"Andre is an absolutely terrific player, and he was the one in that Marseille team who you would say was Champions League class," he said.
"There were a number of clubs interested in him and for good reason. He's very versatile, he will create plenty of chances for his team-mates and he can score goals.
"It's also worth noting that he is still very young, only 25, yet he's a player who has played over 60 times for his country and in two World Cups - he is used to the big stage.
"I believe he will have no problem adapting to the Premier League - he speaks good English and he will suit Swansea's style of play and the way Garry Monk sets his team up.
"It's a huge statement of intent from Swansea. He would have been a wonderful addition to many squads, particularly those in the Champions League.
"And even though it was one of the first transfers of the summer, I think it will be talked about as one of the best come the end of this transfer window. It's a massive coup for Swansea."
Meanwhile, Auclair was also full of praise for Bafetimbi Gomis after the French striker scored ten goals in his first season at the Liberty Stadium.
Gomis arrived on a free transfer from Lyon last summer and impressed in the second half of the campaign following Wilfried Bony's move to Manchester City.
"I think everyone is now seeing the real Bafe," said Auclair. "He is extremely powerful, great in the air and he has a big heart too.
"He's a real goalscorer and what he did in the second half of last season is an example of that. But Bafe is a fine player and someone who will deliver the goods when you need them more often than not.
"I expect another good season for him and for Swansea City."
Philippe Auclair is a football writer and broadcaster, England correspondent of France Football and RMC and contributor to The Guardian and Blizzard.You can follow him on Twitter @PhilippeAuclair
