Pep Guardiola said the current economy means Manchester City ‘cannot afford a great striker’, ruling out an attempt to sign Inter striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri forward has impressed since his move to Milan from Manchester United in the summer of 2019.
The Belgian striker has been mentioned as a possible target for a host of top clubs in Europe, including the Premier League leaders.
But former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Guardiola ruled out a big money move in 2021.
Pep Guardiola said the current economy means Manchester City ‘cannot afford a great striker’, ruling out an attempt to sign Inter striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri forward has impressed since his move to Milan from Manchester United in the summer of 2019.
The Belgian striker has been mentioned as a possible target for a host of top clubs in Europe, including the Premier League leaders.
But former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach Guardiola ruled out a big money move in 2021.
“With the economic situation of the football world now, there’s a bigger chance that we won’t get a great striker this summer,” Guardiola said at a press conference.
With Sergio Aguero leaving the Etihad Stadium after the current campaign, City have been tipped to look for a replacement at the highest level.
But the coach admitted even City ‘can’t afford’ doing deals in the current market.
“With the current prices, we will not buy any strikers, it’s impossible,” he said. “We cannot afford it, all the clubs are in financial difficulties, even us.”
The Belgium international Lukaku moved to Inter for €74m in August 2019 and is currently valued at €90m by Transfermarkt.