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Manchester City: Antoine for Kun

By Jason Bardwell

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 22: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Atletico Madrid and AS Roma at Wanda Metropolitano on November 22, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 22: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Atletico Madrid and AS Roma at Wanda Metropolitano on November 22, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City is presented with the a award for becoming Manchester City’s all time top goal soccer by Mike Summerbee prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City is presented with the a award for becoming Manchester City’s all time top goal soccer by Mike Summerbee prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Ask any Manchester City fan from the last few seasons, and Kun Aguero would most likely return 100% of the time, as the best striker they’ve seen at City. Rumours have persisted since the arrival last January of Gabriel Jesus, that maybe Kun could be out the door. Seemingly not favoured by Pep as a central striker, and having already seen Hart and Zabaleta depart, it looked as if Sergio could be next.

The reality is that, at some point, he will move on. At some point he will either become surplus to requirements, and not guaranteed game time or, just lose his form and get moved on that way. While away at the World Cup, he will turn 30. That could certainly be a turning point for the Argentinian.

He’s already won the Premier League twice with the blues, along with two (and maybe a third) League Cup trophy. Arriving just after the FA Cup victory, he will always be remembered for that goal against QPR to win the title from under the red nose of Alex Ferguson.

A return to Atletico Madrid, the place he started his European career, could be on the cards. Pep has reportedly been a long time admirer of their French striker, Antoine Griezmann. Currently plying his trade at the Spanish side and an £85 million release clause, talk has sparked about a potential swap deal.

Certainly no one wants to lose Sergio Aguero. But if he wanted to leave, I also don’t think we should stop him. Our record top scorer, along with those important goals, he has a massive amount of credit with the City fan base.

So, if the scenario was that we were to lose Aguero but gain Griezmann, would that be that bad? Certainly the Frenchman is a good three years younger and inch taller than Aguero, but he hasn’t won anything of note, minus the one Supercopa de España. Although, he did come third in the 2016 Ballon d’Or awards.

Maybe on paper he is more of what the media regards as a ‘Pep Player’. But, putting that to one side for a moment, can he score consistently in the Premier League? In the last three seasons, Sergio has netted 20+ Premier League goals, with 16 already this season.

In all competitions, over his seven seasons with us, he averages 27 goals a season. That includes this season, which is far from over. For Antoine though, his four seasons at Atletico has returned a 23 goal a season average.

Next: Sergio Aguero: The Greatest Of All

Named as the best player of Euro 2016, he was labelled a team player. Versatility is a key attribute also, with an ability to play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing. He is predominantly a left footed striker, although he can finish with either foot or even his head. He also takes penalties and is an option to take a free kick.

Positionally he would be an upgrade and, although we have many options for free kicks, another wouldn’t hurt. In the box it seems as though, on paper at least, he offers similar to Aguero. The question is will his on paper numbers translate into the EPL.