Pep Guardiola has admitted that he does not know if Sergio Aguero will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, although he hopes he will stay

Sergio Aguero has been linked with a move away from Manchester City in recent weeks but Guardiola says that he has spoken to the Argentinian and told him he hopes he will stay. However, the Manchester City manager did admit that he was unsure if Aguero would be playing his football at the Etihad next season.

“I would like [Aguero] to stay but I don’t know what is going to happen,” Guardiola said, according to the Daily Mail. “I don’t know. I was so clear with Sergio.  He has been banned for seven games this season and we missed him a lot. He played every time when he was fit. He did a good performance and sometimes not.”

“I know his level and I know what he’s done for this club.  I know his strengths. I know he’s trying, I know how much he fought against Tottenham and how many chances he had. But without him at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup I saw three guys up front with a high intensity and thought, “Wow, I like what they do”.”

Aguero has lost his place in the starting line-up as a result of the fine form of the 19-year old Brazilian sensation Gabriel Jesus. The Argentinian was also left on the bench several times earlier in the season and the speculation over his future began building a few months ago.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on January 6, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Waving goodbye to the Etihad? (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

He has only managed 14 starts in the English Premier League this season as a result of suspensions and Guardiola opting not to play him but has still managed to bag 11 goals. However, it now looks as though he must fight to regain his place from Gabriel Jesus.

The prolific forward himself admitted that he was unsure of whether or not he still had a place at the Etihad and said that he would be evaluating what his next move should be at the end of the season.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly set to battle for the Argentinian international this summer should he choose to move on while Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be monitoring his situation.

Diego Costa’s future beyond this season is still uncertain and Chelsea will definitely need a top quality striker to replace him should he leave. Aguero is still one of the best strikers in the world despite his struggles with City this season and would be a brilliant signing for the Blues should Costa leave.

While City may be unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival, Chelsea have shown in the past that they are willing to pay above the odds if they feel a rival’s player is a priority, as evidenced by their record-breaking signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for £50 million back in January 2011.

Karim Benzema’s Real Madrid future is also in doubt. The Frenchman has been booed regularly in recent fixtures and this has prompted speculation that he will move on from Real Madrid, although it was also reported last week that the Spaniards were considering offering him a new contract.

Aguero would be also be an upgrade on the Frenchman and would also fit in with Real Madrid’s style of play. Los Blancos would also have no problem with a fee and are already said to be preparing to heavily invest in the squad.

Whatever happens at the Etihad, Aguero will have no shortage of suitors and would immediately improve whichever team signs him. However, if Guardiola gets his way, Aguero will still be at the Etihad next season.

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