Chelsea has been handed a huge transfer boost after it was confirmed that Manchester City star Sergio Aguero will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Aguero has endured a difficult season having spent most part of it on the sideline, with injuries and illness limiting his appearances to just 14.
Thus, it is on the premise that City manager Pep Guardiola disclosed to the Argentine the club’s unwillingness to offer him a new deal.
Chelsea remains the only club in the English Premier League in contention for Aguero’s signature, with Barcelona also leading the chase in recent months.
The Blues have struggled in front of goal this season, despite splashing a whooping £200m on the trio of Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner – with Oliver Giroud and Tammy Abraham providing more options in the attack.
With the 32-year-old set to depart the club he signed for from Atletico Madrid in 2011, there are reports making the rounds that he might favour a move to Stamford Bridge. However, the West London club faces a stiff competition from Barcelona in their quest to land the striker.
Aguero has already attained a legendary status at City as the club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak reportedly told the Argentinal international that he would be honoured with a statue at the Etihad Stadium, which will stand alongside those of his former team-mates David Silva and Vincent Kompany.
Aguero has helped City win four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and five League Cups over his 10-year stay, with the club still chasing a quadruple this season.
He is also City’s record goalscorer, with 257 goals in 384 appearances for the club, having surpassed Eric Brook’s 78-year record in 2017.
In a statement, Aguero said: “When a cycle comes to an end, many sensations arise.
“A huge sense of satisfaction and pride remains in me for having played with Manchester City for a whole ten seasons – unusual for a professional player this day and age.
“Ten seasons with major achievements, throughout which I was able to become the top historic goalscorer and forging an indestructible bond with all those who love this club – people who will always be in my heart.
“I was to join during the reconstruction era of 2011, and with the guidance of the owners and the contributions of many players, we earned a place among the greatest of the world.
“The task to maintain this well-deserved privileged position will remain on others.
“As for myself, I will continue to give it my utmost for the rest of the season to win more titles and bring more joy to the fans. Then, a new stage with new challenges will begin, and I am fully ready to face them with the same passion and professionalism that I have always dedicated to continue competing at the highest level.”
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that we will be commissioning an artist to create a statue of Sergio to live at the Etihad Stadium alongside the ones under construction for Vincent [Kompany] and David [Silva].
“We look forward to the opportunity to bid Sergio a fitting farewell at the end of the season.”
