Although Guardiola wants to build his team around a strong core of domestic talent, the Spaniard says it is "impossible" to find value for money when it comes to English players.
"I would like to have more English players," Guardiola told British media. "But... they are so expensive.
"I would like English players because they know the league and that is much better. I am really impressed with how many good English players your country has.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Believe me, I would like English players but it is impossible. It is so expensive."
The Spaniard, who had a wealth of homegrown talent at his disposal during his stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, hoped City could bring gifted youngsters through the youth ranks over the next few seasons.
"The club has worked for a long time with the academy, they are thinking about the next few years, hopefully they will come through with me, maybe it will be a different manager," he added.
"But I would like four or five (English) boys in the side."
Third-placed City host ninth-placed Stoke City in the Premier League on Wednesday before travelling to Middlesbrough in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru)
