Manchester City officially pulled the plug on a move for Alexis Sanchez, but reports say Pep Guardiola will have the licence to sign a world-class forward in the summer window.
Despite having a long-standing agreement with the Chilean, City have decided they do not want to pay a hefty package for Sanchez, soon to be out of contract, and have ended their pursuit, leaving Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to sign him.
It's believed City feel they are well-stocked in attacking areas, particularly with Gabriel Jesus set to return from injury sooner than initially expected.
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They will likely need to turn their attentions to a Sanchez alternative when the summer and James Robson from The Manchester Evening News says Guardiola has been given assurances that he will have the funds to bring in a top-quality frontman.
Who could that be, I hear you ask? Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has been touted as a potential target.
The Frenchman looked set to move to Manchester United in the summer before Atletico's transfer ban was enforced and he committed his future by signing a new deal.
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He does look nailed on to leave the Spanish capital when the summer transfer window rolls around, with Barcelona heavily linked.
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Their £142 million capture of Philippe Coutinho could halt them from going after Griezmann though, and potentially open up an opportunity for City.
Guardiola is a known admirer of the former Real Sociedad man, and he would certainly appear to be a good fit in his way of playing.
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Thoughts on a potential deal?
Sound off in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann, Alexis Sanchez
