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Pep Guardiola gives firm verdict on Man City beating Arsenal to Dusan Vlahovic in January
PEP GUARDIOLA has spoken about the possibility of Manchester City signing a striker in January.
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made his firm stance clear regarding the possibility of pipping Arsenal to the signing of Dusan Vlahovic in January. The two clubs have been linked with the Fiorentina striker, among other top European sides, with the transfer window days away from opening.
Many have called for City to recruit a striker given the lack of an orthodox frontman in their current squad.
Ferran Torres had deputised well through the middle at the start of the season, although with a transfer now agreed, his future looks destined for Barcelona.
Gabriel Jesus also changed the landscape when he transitioned into a winger this campaign, having spent the majority of his City career up top.
But their status as Christmas Day table-toppers cannot go unnoticed, and Guardiola's striker-less system has served them well thus far.
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As such, the Spaniard slapped down the idea of City going after a striker in January during Thursday's press conference.
"No, we won't bring in a striker in January," he claimed, and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano later added that City's focus remains on recruiting a striker during the summer instead.
Guardiola's statement may provoke mixed emotions from City fans, with many feeling though a striker would benefit their squad depth, although holding off until the summer could hint at a move for Norwegian extraordinaire Erling Haaland.
It will, however, come as great news for Arsenal, who are seen as one of the clubs trying hardest to land Vlahovic.
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In Serie A alone, the 21-year-old has already notched 16 goals, putting him amongst the most prolific strikers in Europe.
And his signature would be warmly welcomed by the Gunners and their fans, given the striker woes which have created problems for them this season.
Attacking trio Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun are all reportedly nearing the exit door, while the usually dependable Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has faced a spell out due to a disciplinary breach.
Bringing in a player for now and the future like Vlahovic, therefore, could do Arsenal the world of good.
And Guardiola's statement of intent ahead of January may be music to the ears of Mikel Arteta as he aims to propel his side to the top four.
As for City, they may be forced to plough on a man light after the January window if Torres seals his move to the Camp Nou.
A reported £46.7million deal has already been agreed, and Guardiola added: "I said many times, when he came to me, if you are not happy you have to leave.
"We are not a club like other teams when you want to leave and the CEO and president say no.
"If he wants to leave, absolutely no disappointment. It's his desire, I'm happy for him."