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One of the best strikers to have played in the Premier League, Sergio Aguero has been a faithful servant for Manchester City. The highest non-English goalscorer in the history of the Premier League, the Argentina international's legacy is secure, both as a Manchester City legend and as a Premier League great.
Now 32, Aguero continues to be an important part of the Manchester City squad. However, he has expressed his intention to return to his boyhood club Independiente before retiring.
We look at:
5 players who can replace Sergio Aguero at Manchester City
#5 MAXI GOMEZ, VALENCIA
Regarded as a future star for Uruguay and eventual heir to the throne of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez in the national team, Maxi Gomez is clearly highly-rated.
The 23-year old joined Valencia from Celta Vigo last summer for a fee of €14.5 million, with Santi Mina and Jorge Saenz going the other way as well. Gomez has been a rare bright spark in a dysfunctional Valencia side, with rumours suggesting that 12 players have been transfer-listed by the owners.
A physical striker who is strong in the air, Gomez has all the makings of a top no.9. In the season gone by for Valencia, the former Defensor Sporting man played 33 games in La Liga, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists.
Manchester United and West Ham United have been linked with the Uruguay international in recent months.
#4 MOUSSA DEMBELE, LYON
With the likes of Memphis Depay in the Lyon squad, Moussa Dembele's contributions often tend to go subdued.
However, the striker has been a key component for Rudi Garcia's men. Dembele joined Lyon after a successful spell at Celtic, costing the French giants €22 million. The 24-year has maintained a good goalscoring rate for his club, while also showing good awareness and intelligence.
For Lyon last season, Dembele made 27 appearances in the league, scoring 16 goals and providing two assists. Surrounded by talented forwards like Depay, Bertrand Traore and Karl Toko Ekambi, Dembele has flourished.
The former Celtic man was persistently linked with a move to Chelsea in January. With the Blues having signed Timo Werner, that move is unlikely to happen now. Manchester United and Arsenal are said to be interested.
#3 GABRIEL JESUS, MANCHESTER CITY
If Sergio Aguero does leave the club, Manchester City might already have a replacement in the form of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazil international joined Manchester City from Palmeiras in 2017 for €33 million and has had a topsy-turvy run with City. While the talent is undeniable, Jesus' inconsistencies in front of the goal has made Pep Guardiola reluctant to start him on a consistent basis.
However, Jesus is still only 23, and can be developed. The striker played 34 games in the Premier League last season, starting 21 games. He scored 14 goals and provided seven assists.
Due to Jesus being used as a rotational option, he has been linked with a move away. Inter Milan and Juventus are keeping an eye on the situation.
Also Read: 10 best goalkeepers this season (2019/20)
#2 ERLING HAALAND, BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Regarded as one of the best young talents in the world, Erling Braut Haaland has been termed by many as a future Ballon d'Or winner.
After a phenomenal season with Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland moved to Borussia Dortmund this January for €20 million. He immediately made an impact with the Bundesliga giants, ousting Paco Alcacer from the first-team and becoming the preferred no.9 for Lucien Favre. Alcacer eventually left for Villarreal.
His performances for Dortmund since joining them have been nothing short of exceptional. The 20-year old played 15 league games for his club, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists. Robert Lewandowski will have tough competition next season.
The Norway international was heavily linked with Manchester United before moving to Dortmund. United are still tracking him, while the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City have been touted as potential destinations.
#1 LAUTARO MARTINEZ, INTER MILAN
While this is unlikely to happen, Lautaro Martinez seems like the perfect replacement for Sergio Aguero.
Another highly-rated young player, Martinez has been in fine form for Inter Milan, dovetailing well with fellow forward Romelu Lukaku. Barcelona are the favourites to sign the 22-year old, and have already begun negotiations with Inter Milan. It has been suggested that Martinez wants to move to Barcelona as well.
The Argentina international made 34 appearances for Antonio Conte's side, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists. A good header of the ball with good dribbling ability, Martinez looks destined for the top.
Barcelona are the favourites for his signature, but Manchester City have been linked in the past as well.
Also Read: 10 best forwards in the Premier League this season
