Pep Guardiola has admitted the financial strains imposed on the club by the pandemic has made it difficult for Manchester City to purchase a striker.
Earlier on in the window, there were reports City could make a lucrative bid for England captain Harry Kane.
However speaking to media back home in Spain, Guardiola was quick to dismiss the idea.
"At the prices (quoted) we are not going to buy any strikers,” Guardiola told Catalan network TV3. “It is impossible, we cannot afford it."
Despite Guardiola placing faith in his current options, City could still purchase a striker this summer, and MEN have selected five potential candidates who could be affordable for the club.
1. Danny Ings
Southampton are reportedly willing to part ways with Danny Ings this summer.
Since leaving Liverpool, the England international has been prolific in the Premier League though he has struggled with injury problems at times.
Ings' pace and link-up play could be perfectly suited to Pep Guardiola's side when fit.
The striker has the ability to play in the false nine and he knows where the net is.
His value is touted around £20-32 million which is a significantly smaller fee in comparison to Harry Kane.
City have shown interest in him in the past so a move could be entirely feasible.
2. Dusan Vlahovic
The towering Serbian forward has been in good form in the Serie A last season. Only Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals than the Fiorentina man.
Vlahovic is fast. He is technically gifted and he can be a real menace in the air.
City do lack aerial threat in the box, and Vlahovic could give another dimension and outlet to Guardiola's team.
At 21-years-old he is relatively young too which means there is plenty of room for him to improve too and get even better.
Despite Vlahovic's good form, it has been a disappointing season for Fiorentina which has left the club without European football.
City could tempt them with the right offer.
3. Alexander Isak
Isak caught the eye at Euro 2020 for Sweden. The Real Sociedad forward has enjoyed a solid season in La Liga and is on the radar of several clubs.
City should be one of his suitors.
Real Sociedad are not in dire financial straits but they are willing to listen to offers.
Isak offers dynamism and pace. He is an intelligent runner and the type of player that is perfectly suited to Guardiola's system due to his technical ability.
He's had an unsuccessful spell with Borussia Dortmund, but he's still only 21-year-old and looks to have found his mojo again.
4. Jonathan David
Lille's financial troubles in France are notorious. Despite lifting Ligue 1, the club's title winning manager has already departed this summer and a max exodus could follow.
Jonathan David endured a tough first few months in France, but he's been unstoppable ever since.
Technically gifted, David has the ability to play in a false number nine role. He's energetic, fast and strong and could thrive under Pep Guardiola's management.
He knows where the goal is too and has an impressive goal-scoring record since arriving in Europe.
Last season Liverpool were reportedly considering him, and a season in France has proved he is ready for the next step.
5. Tammy Abraham
Tammy Abraham is not in Thomas Tuchel's plans. The England international has found his game time severely restricted since the German's arrival and Chelsea are reportedly willing to allow him to depart this summer.
Despite, Tuchel's lack of faith, there is still raw potential in the forward.
On his day, Abraham can be unstoppable and he has a good goal-scoring record in the Premier League.
Abraham is gifted technically, but he offers an added physical presence in the team too.
He knows where the goal is and if City are on the hunt for an out-and-out forward, the Englishman could be the perfect option.
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