Will Man City make late transfer swoop for Erling Haaland cover? Pep Guardiola explains pre-deadline plan after selling World Cup winner Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid

Manchester City parted ways with World Cup and Copa America-winning Argentine forward Julian Alvarez earlier this summer as he moved to Atletico Madrid for a whopping £82million (€95m) transfer fee. With Alvarez's exit from Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola currently has only Erling Haaland in the No.9 role.

Haaland has once again got off to a blockbuster start, as he netted a hat-trick in the second match of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Saturday as City thrashed newly promoted Ipswich Town 4-1. However, the question remains regarding what will happen when the Norwegian is not able to take to the field?

beIN Sports asked Guardiola after the match if the club are planning to buy a striker before the transfer window closes on August 30, to which the manager replied: "Erling 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."

Defending champions City, who are looking to land a record-enhancing fifth successive Premier League title, have made a perfect start to the current season - with Haaland leading the way - and will be back in action when facing West Ham next weekend.