Pep Guardiola has put huge doubt in Erling Haaland arriving at Manchester City this summer, claiming the club might not be able to afford a replacement for Sergio Aguero.
Sergio Aguero confirmed earlier this week that he would be leaving City at the end of the season, ending 10 years at the Premier League club.
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That has obviously led to speculation as to who Guardiola might sign to replace the club's all time top goalscorer and Haaland has been the name on everyone's lips.
Talk of the Borussia Dortmund striker's future intensified on Thursday with the Norwegian's agent Mino Raiola, and dad Alf Inge Haaland, meeting with both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Figures of up to €150 million have been discussed for teams wanting Haaland this summer, and Guardiola has claimed that kind of money would be 'impossible' for the league leaders.
"I want to be clear," the former Barcelona boss said in his pre match press conference on Friday, "Maybe, maybe we are going to find a new player to replace Sergio.
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"In terms of numbers, it is almost impossible. In terms of what he means to this club, it is impossible.
"Listen, with these prices we are not going to buy a striker. We cannot afford it. All the clubs struggle financially and we are not an exception. Maybe we are going to buy, maybe we don't. Today there is more chance that we won't.
"We have enough players in the first team, interesting players in the academy. There is a big chance, given the world economic problems, that we are not going to sign a striker."
Whilst clubs finances have obviously been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the lack of fans in the stadium for over a year, many will question Guardiola's claims about City not being able to afford transfers.
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Last summer the club still paid over £100 million on signing Ruben Dian Nathan Aki and Ferran Torres, selling Leroy Sane and Nicolas Otamendi to slightly balance the books.
Guardiola also mentioned that City have played with a false nine for much of the season adding, "We had Gabriel [Jesus], Ferran [Torres], the academy, we play many times with a false nine."
Former Atletico Madrid striker Aguero has missed 26 games this season, and missed the final eight games of last season too, through injury and Covid.
That hasn't stopped Guardiola's side earning a 14 point gap at the top of the table over local rivals Manchester United in second place.
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Perhaps the manager doesn't need a new striker after all!
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PATopics: Manchester City, Sergio Aguero, Football, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Erling Haaland, Premier League, Transfer gossip, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid
