Manchester City boss Guardiola rules out Haaland transfer

Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland looks dejected [Pool via REUTERS/Marius Becker]

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City may not be able to afford to buy a striker this summer - ruling them out of the race to sign Erling Haaland.

Guardiola claimed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic meant even clubs with City's huge wealth may find it impossible to meet the asking prices of some clubs.

Borussia Dortmund want £150million for their 20-year-old goal machine Haaland, who has 49 goals in as many games for them.

But Guardiola said City may be in a position where they cannot afford to sign a replacement for record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who is leaving at the end of the season after 10 glittering years with the club.

"With these prices it’s impossible – we cannot afford it," said Guardiola. "That’s not going to happen.

"All the clubs struggle financially and we are not an exception. We have Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres, players in the academy and we can play with a false nine.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola [Pool via REUTERS/Martin Rickett]

"I don’t know what will happen. Maybe we will not buy one. Today, there is more chance that we will not buy one.

"We have enough players in the first team and interesting players, and, with the world economics, it's possible that we will not sign a striker for next season."

On City's record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who is leaving this summer after 10 years with the club, Guardiola said: "These decisions are never easy.

"Maybe we are going to find a new player to replace him, but in terms of his numbers, it's impossible."