Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak believes the upcoming summer transfer window is set to pose a number of problems for clubs.
Few teams are expected to spend big in the coming months as owners across the globe begin to come to terms with the financial damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sky Blues remain in a strong position despite the challenges clubs have faced and will be an attractive proposition for any player considering their next move this summer.
City claimed the Premier League title as well as the Carabao Cup in the 2020/21 season, but missed out on the chance to complete the treble after losing the Champions League final to Chelsea.
The expectation is that Pep Guardiola's side will now strengthen as they plot further success next year, but Al Mubarak has sent out a warning about regarding how the transfer market may pan out.
"I think summer market is going to be cagey. It's a very challenging market. Covid has put a financial stress on most leagues and clubs," he told Man City's official club website.
"On that note, I'm particularly proud of how Manchester City as a club and as an organisation as a whole have managed through Covid."
Do you believe Manchester City will spend big in the transfer window? Comment below.
City spent over £135million in last year's summer window, recruiting the likes of Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres.
Harry Kane and Jack Grealish have been listed as possible targets on this occasion, though both players are likely to demand a fee in excess of £100m.
The fact that Ilkay Gundogan, a midfielder, ended as the club's top scorer in the 2020/21 season explains the Sky Blues' need for a centre forward.
Meanwhile, Grealish is a player who has proven he is capable of playing for a top-six side and would not look out of place.
Despite forecasting a 'challenging market', City's chairman has vowed to 'send a strong message' as he targets quality additions to the group.
"Having won the league, it is not the time to sit back and be content," said Khaldoon.
"That would be your biggest mistake. This is the time to send a strong message that there is no contentment, that you are not satisfied with just winning the league."
"Sergio Aguero's shoes are very hard shoes to fill but I am confident we will find the right player to fill those shoes.
"There are other areas in the team that need investment. Not too many - it is not about numbers, it is about quality. But we will bring quality into the squad in a couple of key positions."
