A closer look at the leading contenders to sign Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero confirmed Manchester City fans' worst nightmare earlier this week after stating that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Since arriving in Manchester in 2011 as City's record signing, Aguero has gone on to achieve legendary status not just among city fans but across the entirety of the Premier League.

Over his 10-year spell in the Premier League, the Argentine has scored 181 goals, making him the highest scoring overseas player ever.

And if that wasn't enough, Aguero forever etched his name in Premier League folklore with *that* stoppage-time winner to earn Manchester City their first ever Premier League title.

But after stating his time at Manchester City is over, Aguero's world class pedigree has left many clubs wrestling for his signature. Here at Planet Sport, we're taking a closer look at the current frontrunners (odds via Sky Bet).

Barcelona (5/4)

With the current record Barcelona hold with small, number-10-wearing Argentinians, their presence on this list should shock no one.

But there's more to a potential deal than the obvious associations drawn between compatriot Lionel Messi. Aguero has often discussed his good relationship with the Barca legend and could be the ideal option to fill the void left by Luis Suarez.

Since selling the tenacious Uruguayan striker to La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid, Barcelona have struggled to find a replacement with the same hunger for goals. 

To make matters worse, Suarez's form for Atletico has helped them to a four-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table.

Club president Joan Laporta has already spoken of securing Aguero's signature. His arrival may also have the effect of tying an unsettled Lionel Messi to Camp Nou. 

The only barrier to his signing may be Barcelona's considerable debts. Aguero may be free but his wages certainlhy don't come cheap.

Any Argentine Primera Division Club (4/1)

After starting his career at Argentine club Independiente, it would seem a natural fit for Aguero to return to his roots to see out his career.

Now aged 32, it's been a fairy-tale journey for Aguero since his record-breaking debut in the Primera Division. At 15 years and 35 days, Aguero was the youngest player to feature in the league, breaking the record previously held by Argentine hero Diego Maradona.

Aguero has always spoken fondly of his time in Argentina. And speaking to Fox Sports Argentina in 2018, Aguero stated his desire to return to Independiente once his spell at Manchester City was over.

"I always said that I would like to return to Independiente when my contract ends with City, which is in 2020."

Any MLS Club (7/1)

Aguero's next likely option would see him become the latest player to join MLS.

Alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the appeal of America seems too good to turn down for many soccer players.

The lack of a transfer fee could interest a number of MLS clubs looking for a superstar name.

Should Aguero decide on a move to America, the most likely destinations are LA Galaxy or Inter Miami, clubs with a track record of bringing in European talent.

With Blaise Matiuidi and Gonzalo Higuain already in his ranks, signing Aguero would be some statement of intent from Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.

Atletico Madrid (8/1)

After moving for a reported fee of £17million, Aguero sent shockwaves through European soccer, quickly establishing himself as a world-class striker.

With 101 goals in 234 matches, Aguero was a key part of the Atleti side. He played a pivotal role in their European success in 2010, winning both the Europa League and the Super Cup.

And with Atletico currently sitting atop La Liga, Aguero's arrival could improve an already impressive side as they hunt more silverware.

And recapturing a former striker wouldn't be a first for Atletico who have brought back Fernando Torres and Diego Costa in recent years.

Inter Milan (9/1)

Out of the interested Italian clubs, Inter Milan and Juventus are seen as the most likely contenders for Aguero's signature.

And with Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez currently supplying the firepower, the prospect of linking up with a fellow Argentinian may tempt Aguero to Milan.

It would also add to the Manchester connection, with former United players Alexis Sanchez, Lukaku, Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian all currently at the San Siro.

Juventus (9/1)

Despite Inter looking set to pip Juventus to the Serie A title, the prospect of lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo is a hard one to turn down for any soccer player.

After sharing the pitch with Messi for the Argentina national team, a spell alongside the Portuguese may help Aguero settle the Messi-Ronaldo GOAT argument once and for all.

But perhaps more importantly for Juventus fans, Aguero's signature could be the missing piece in their quest for an elusive Champions League trophy.

After falling short for Manchester City in Europe, Aguero has always stated his desire to win the Champions League. And, with Ronaldo's acquisition still failing to bring European success to Turin, perhaps a partnership with Aguero will prove the final piece of the jigsaw.

PSG (11/1)

It seems that whenever a top European talent is made available, Paris Saint-Germain's name is always in and around the rumour mill. And with Aguero it is no different.

Despite a clear dominance in Ligue 1, PSG are yet to achieve their dream of winning the Champions League.

Groundbreaking transfers of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. helped them reach the final last year. But after losing out to Bayern Munich, their wait goes on.

With Mauricio Pochettino as manager, obvious links can be made towards Aguero's shared Argentine nationality. But with Mauro Icardi struggling to stand out among PSG's attacking talent, the rumours may have some substance to them.

With Neymar Jr. and Mbappe providing the threat from either wing, Aguero could be just the fox in the box they need to bring European success to Paris.