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The Premier League leaders have been linked with the Dortmund and Tottenham forwards, but they may not be in a position to spend any money.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will not be able to sign a striker in the summer after Sergio Aguero was confirmed to leave the club at the end of the season.
The City manager admitted it would be difficult to replace the club’s record scorer despite Aguero missing much of the season through injury and Covid-19 reasons.
Finances around the world have been affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and Guardiola says City is no different, which could affect its summer plans.
What has been said?
“I want to be clear, maybe we will look for a new player to replace him (Agüero) but in terms of numbers. [of goals it is] Impossible, “Guardiola said before Saturday’s clash with Leicester.” In terms of what you mean, impossible.
“There is a good chance that we may not sign a forward for next season. We have enough players in the first team, and interesting players, with the world economy, so we are not going to sign a forward for the next. season”. “
When asked why City could not sign a striker, he added: “With these prices it is impossible, we cannot afford it. That is not going to happen. All clubs struggle financially and we are no exception.”
Who has City linked up with?
Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland is a potential target for City, but Europe’s biggest clubs have also been linked to a move for the Norwegian international.
His agent Mino Raiola and his father Alf-Inge were, according to the Spanish press, in Barcelona and Madrid on Thursday, and Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc was forced to deny that the forward would leave.
Tottenham forward Harry Kane and Inter star Romelu Lukaku have also been linked as possible alternatives, but any move is expected to cost more than £ 85 million ($ 117 million).
What are the city’s alternatives?
With the departure of Agüero, Gabriel Jesús would be the only recognized striker left at the club, although much of this season’s success has been achieved by playing with a false nine.
Spanish international Ferran Torres can play as a forward, while youngsters Lukas Nmecha and Liam Delap have impressed, on loan at Anderlecht and with the youth squad respectively.
“We have Gabriel, Ferran, players in the academy, we play with a false nine, I don’t know what will happen,” Guardiola added. “Maybe we won’t buy one. Today there is a better chance that we won’t buy one.”
What’s next for Agüero?
Some of the best European clubs are sure to be interested in the forward, who is available with a free transfer.
Barcelona and a possible link with his international teammate Lionel Messi is a possible destination.
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus could also be interested, while Aguero could choose to stay in England, with Chelsea and Arsenal both linked.
