Guardiola rules City out of race to sign Haaland

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City may not be able to afford a replacement for striker Sergio Aguero.

City confirmed on Monday their all-time leading goalscorer will bring down the curtain on a trophy-laden decade-long spell at the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in June.

Aguero has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five EFL Cups, a tally he can add to before departing as City are on course for a quadruple this season, including a first Champions League triumph.

City have been tipped to spend big on a new striker at the end of the season, with Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane rumoured to be on their radar.

However, Guardiola insists the Premier League leaders are not in a position to complete such a signing due to the financial effects of the coronavirus.

“With these prices we are not going to buy any striker. It is impossible, we cannot afford it,” the Catalan coach said during a news conference on Friday.

“All clubs struggle financially, we are not an exception. We have Gabriel [Jesus], Ferran [Torres], young academy players, false nines. I don’t know what will happen.

“Today there is more of a big chance we won’t sign a new striker for next season.”

Aguero has scored 257 goals in 384 appearances for City since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2011, seeing him surpass Eric Brook as the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

Guardiola accepts the Argentina international will be a huge loss but is confident he already has the personnel to help fill the void.

“We know how important he is in the present and past. These decisions are never easy,” Guardiola said.

“I want to be clear: Maybe we’ll find a new player to replace Sergio. In terms of numbers he might be replaced, but in terms of what he means to the club it is impossible.

“We have enough players in the first team, interesting players in th academy. But with the economy the way it is we’re not going to sign a new striker this summer.”

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