Manchester City are light on attacking numbers after selling Riyad Mahrez in the summer transfer window.

As the season looms on the horizon Manchester City continue to keep fans salivating like a dog watching its dinner slop into a bowl.

It’s been a quiet summer with Mateo Kovacic the only new addition to a squad that has been weakened from the one that claimed the treble in June. Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez were two of the most experienced, capable and reliable players in Pep Guardiola’s squad and have moved on.

Kovacic has come in to replenish the midfield numbers but it remains to be seen if he can replicate the departed captain’s role to the same high standard. No one has been signed yet to replace Mahrez, a forward who contributed 61 goals and assists in the last two seasons.

The Algerian might have been behind the all-action Bernardo Silva for the biggest games but his ability to unlock stub𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 defences was crucial to City and they have lost a key figure to all their recent success. It might not seem like he needs urgent replacing as he didn’t play a minute of either the FA Cup or Champions League finals but he still started 35 matches last season and someone will have to pick up the load.

It’s not yet clear if City will target a forward in the weeks remaining of the window as they continue their efforts to secure Josko Gvardiol, but here are some they could consider.

Michael Olise

Exciting winger Olise was signed by Crystal Palace as a hot prospect from Reading in 2021 and after a bit-part first campaign, he burst to life last season. The 21-year-old picked up an impressive 11 assists in a side which was struggling at the bottom for a significant time and dazzled with his quick feet.

Olise is a left-footed right winger so would be a like-for-like replacement in Mahrez’s role but would offer much more direct pace. He is set to miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury, and City have him on their radar.

But Palace manager Roy Hodgson is worried about losing his star forward.

“We have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us,” he said. “We had two outstanding wingers who were almost the best in the league – Michael Olise on the right side and Wilf on the left. We don’t have Wilf anymore.”

Kaoru Mitoma

From Crystal Palace to their biggest rivals Brighton, Kaoru Mitoma was the breakout star of last season after he enjoyed a sublime year on the south coast. The Japanese international wowed crowds with his rapid pace, tight control and a keen eye for a goal. He finished the season with 10 goals and eight assists and though he usually gets deployed on the left he can play on either flank.

Guardiola has been impressed and discussed the 26-year-old prior to the pre-season friendly with Yokohama Marinos. When asked about the quality of Asian football, he said: “Well I would say the impact of [Kaoru] Mitoma on the Premier League has been incredible. He is in the right place with the right manager and his last season was extraordinary. And look at what Japan have done in the World Cup in a tough, tough group.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

The surprise star of the world game over the last 12 months has been without a doubt Napoli talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Serie A side had signed the little-known Georgian from Dinamo Batumi for a bargain price and he ended up transforming the team. His 14 goals and 17 assists fired Napoli to their first title triumph since Diego Maradona and he is now held nearly as fondly in Naples.

Though he plays on the left, Kvaratskhlia is so ambidextrous and skilful that playing on the right shouldn’t be a concern. The Blues have a history with awe-inspiring Georgian wingers and this one would be one exciting signing. The only problem is, as City know all too well, Napoli drive a hard bargain and are under no pressure to sell their superstar.

Jeremy Doku

Belgium starlet Jeremy Doku is the latest name to have been linked with a move to the Etihad. The 21-year-old forward has been highly rated for a number of years now but has yet to set the world alight at Stade Rennes, with just 21 goal contributions in 90 appearances.

However, he has struggled with injuries in France and did enjoy his best campaign last year and with his contract entering its final two years he might be available at a reasonable price.

Cole Palmer

There remains a strong chance City don’t bring in another winger at all and at that point, the burden of filling Mahrez’s boots could fall to Cole Palmer. Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden will likely be ahead of the academy graduate in the pecking order but there are plenty more minutes on offer if Palmer can take them.

The versatile forward shone in England Under-21s’ semi-final and final wins in the recent European Championship and has applied himself well in the pre-season tour of Asia. Palmer has been linked with a move to Brighton but his future instead may remain in Manchester.