According to this news source, Manchester City are really interested in Dortmund's great striker Erling Haaland. However, they are not willing to spend too much to sign him. Maybe the reason why they made a statement like this (if it's not a rumour) could be that they are thinking of signing Harry Kane at the first occasion. Harry Kane is unhappy at Tottenham now and he wants to leave the team as soon as possible. And he would cost less than Haaland to City I guess. 

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/haaland-man-city-transfer-news-22473845