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Before the start of the season, there was concern surrounding Manchester City, in particular their failure to recruit a recognised striker to replace Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine departed the Etihad as the club’s highest scorer of all time, and while Gabriel Jesus stayed put, many people expected a void to be left where Aguero’s goals had previously been.
Despite the pre-season worries, Pep Guardiola’s side have started the season well, and don’t look to be missing a goalscorer whatsoever.
After seven matches, City are the joint-third highest scorers in the top flight, and have had more different goal scorers than any other side.
Guardiola’s insistence on regular rotation has meant that Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Jesus and Jack Grealish have all been deployed through the middle of City’s front three.
Now, however, it appears that Guardiola could face a battle to keep hold of one of his stars.
That’s according to Spanish outlet El Nacional, who claim that Barcelona are keen on signing English winger Sterling.
The report suggests that the Catalan side could make an approach for the player as soon as January, but also suggests that City would only accept a swap deal for Ousmane Dembele.
Sterling has won three league titles and five domestic cups since arriving at City six years ago.
Despite Sterling’s success with City since joining from Liverpool in 2015, it is believed that he is growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of regular playing time.
Sterling has seen a reduction in his playing time this season.
The England international now appears to be behind Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden in the pecking order at the Etihad, and was only a substitute in City’s previous outing against Liverpool on Sunday.
Dembele, meanwhile, has endured a difficult time at Barcelona.
Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, the Frenchman has won two La Liga titles and two Copa Del Rays, but has struggled with injuries throughout.
His regular injury problems have reportedly made Barcelona reluctant to extend his current deal with the club, which is due to expire next summer.
Now, the Spanish outlet are suggesting that City are keen on Dembele, while the Catalan club are chasing Sterling.
Therefore, a swap deal could make sense, with both clubs willing to let their respective players leave.
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