Ideal January bargains to help the City attack
PEP Guardiola admitted earlier in the season City explored the option of signing a new forward during the summer transfer window.
Sergio Aguero has been plagued by injuries during the final season of his City contract, with fellow striker Gabriel Jesus also spending time on the sidelines.
Guardiola has been fortunate summer signing Ferran Torres has made an excellent start to life in England, displaying his versatility by slotting in upfront.
The City boss stressed that the failure to sign a striker in the summer was due to a lack of finances. He said: “If you decide to buy a striker, it has to be a striker in the league of Gabriel and Sergio but we cannot afford it. That is the reality.”
While signing a new world-class forward in January isn’t likely to be possible as a result of the same financial constraints, there is no reason why City can’t look to bolster their options in the final third on the cheap.
Here, we take a look at four possible options in January...
■ DIEGO COSTA
YESTERDAY Atletico Madrid agreed to terminate the contract of former Chelsea forward Diego Costa. The Spaniard had fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone and was pushed further down the pecking order following the summer arrival of Luis Suarez from Barcelona. Atletico agreed to terminate his deal, meaning he can join a club for free next month.
Costa netted 59 goals during 120 appearances during his time in England, helping Chelsea lift two
Premier League titles. The 32-year-old proved to be a nightmare for defenders to deal with and would provide some decent cover for Jesus and Aguero. He offers City a different dynamic up front and could be an excellent option from the bench. A short-term deal until the end of the season could prove to be a masterstroke.
■ ARKADIUSZ MILIK
NAPOLI have confirmed Arkadiusz Milik is set to leave in January after failing to agree a new contract with the Serie A side. The Poland international has been a regular scorer since joining from Ajax. Still only 26, Milik could prove to be a useful squad option.
He is approaching the prime of his career and would offer significant resale value if nothing else. Atletico are believed to be interested in the forward, so City would need to move quickly to secure his signature. An out-and-out No.9, Milik could be City’s next Edin Dzeko.
■ MEMPHIS DEPAY
FORMER United forward Memphis Depay also faces an uncertain future at Lyon with his contract up in the summer. The Dutchman has been heavily linked with Barcelona but the Spanish side couldn’t afford to meet Lyon’s asking price. Various reports in France claim Lyon will accept bids as low as £4.5m to avoid losing him for nothing.
Depay’s spell at Old Trafford was a failure, but he has since revived his career in Ligue 1 and would provide that first-team quality Guardiola mentioned when discussing potential striker targets. ■ MARIO MANDZUKIC FORMER Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic is without a club after leaving Qatar’s Al-Duhail. He was heavily linked with United following his departure from Italy.
The Reds signed veteran forward Edinson Cavani during the summer and the Uruguayan has proved to be an excellent back-up option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
There is no reason why Mandzukic can’t have a similar impact under Guardiola.
The Croatian was sold by the current City manager during his time at Bayern Munich but could prove to be City’s saviour in January.