The truth behind Manchester City’s search for a new striker and Erling Haaland back-up | OneFootball

As the summer transfer window comes to a close, a new report has offered the likelihood of Manchester City recruiting in the vacant striker role this summer.

Julian Alvarez’s big-money move to Atletico Madrid has left Manchester City in search of new options to come into the striker role this season, should Erling Haaland be deemed unavailable through injury or in need of a rest.

Txiki Begiristain – the sporting director at the Premier League champions – has already drafted up a shortlist of potential options for the club to look in to, should Pep Guardiola be keen on recruitment for his squad in the coming days.

That search has led the club to the likes of Celtic and Japan international, Kyogo Furuhashi as well as Icelandic sensation and starlet of FC Copenhagen, Orri Oskarsson – who is being targeted by a number of clubs across Europe.

But a new report has softened the chances of Txiki Begiristain and Manchester City eyeing up further business in the summer market, with the deadline for arrivals into the Etihad Stadium fast-approaching.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Joe Bray, a move from Manchester City for either of their previously reported back-up striker targets is being deemed as ‘unlikely’ at this stage of the window.

Manager Pep Guardiola has already played down the chance of any further players arriving into his Manchester City squad after Ilkay Gundogan, even with Julian Alvarez’s exit for Atletico Madrid and the long-term injury sustained by Oscar Bobb.

Speaking to reporters after the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon, Guardiola told TV broadcasters, “Erling (Haaland) cannot play every game. The absence of Oscar Bobb is a big, big blow. But Phil (Foden) can play there, close to the box.

“(James) McAtee can play there, because he’s really good in these spaces, and even Gundo can play there. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the market, but I think we’re going to continue in that way.”

Pep Guardiola is no stranger to utilising versatility in his squad during times of shortness in terms of options, with his time at the Etihad Stadium showcasing his excellence when it comes to transforming players into other positions.

His opening campaigns at Manchester City saw a number of players transitioned into the role of left-back, with the likes of Fabian Delph and Oleksandr Zinchenko excelling in the role. Later years would then see Nathan Ake master the demands, as well as Josko Gvardiol.

Pre-season also saw a number of players trialled in the false-nine position, including the aforementioned James McAtee and Oscar Bobb, whilst Maximo Perrone – now on loan at Como – was also viewed in the role to great success against Celtic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.