Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will demand a "proper replacement" for Sergio Aguero in order for him to see out the remainder of his contract at the Etihad, according to reports. City announced on Monday that Aguero will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer.
Man City transfer news: Pep Guardiola will demand a top Sergio Aguero replacement (Image: GETTY)
Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, Ian McGarry says Guardiola will firmly request a quality player be brought into the club to replace Aguero.
Guardiola signed a new contract at City last November to keep him at the club until 2023.
But McGarry says the 50-year-old's future may depend on whether his transfer wish is fulfilled.
"They have done well to survive without his prolific goalscoring during his time of injury and illness in the last two seasons," McGarry said of Aguero.
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Man City transfer news: Sergio Aguero is set to add to his 10 major honours before he leaves (Image: EXPRESS)
"However, they must now make an investment, a significant investment, in a replacement.
"Gabriel Jesus I don't think is trusted 100 per cent by Guardiola.
"If he was then he wouldn't be playing Kevin de Bruyne at a false nine in several games, as well as other players who have been trusted to score goals for City.
"Guardiola more than anyone knows that you must strengthen from a position of strength.
"If he is going to see out that extension to his contract then he will demand a proper replacement and a proper No 9 to play in his system."
On Tuesday, Guardiola paid tribute to Aguero, who will leave City as the club's leading goalscorer of all time.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: "Sergio is irreplaceable. I could say in terms of numbers he can be replaceable, it's not easy when you see more than 360 games played and more than 250 goals, the amount of titles...
"So it's the legend, the best striker this club has ever had for this century through the years, but is irreplaceable in the souls, in the hearts, in the minds of our fans, of our people, of the players that played alongside him and all the managers who worked with him."