In a surprising development at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City's stalwart defender Kyle Walker is pushing for a move to AC Milan, as the Serie A giants emerge as frontrunners for his signature. The England international was notably absent from City's recent 8-0 FA Cup triumph over Salford, fueling speculation about his immediate future.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Walker, 33, has formally approached the club's hierarchy regarding a potential transfer. "Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career," Guardiola revealed during a press conference. "He's been our right-back, giving us something we didn't have, but now in his mind he would like to explore going to another country to play his last years for many reasons."
The Rossoneri are reportedly optimistic about securing Walker's services, viewing the experienced defender as a crucial addition to bolster their backline during the January transfer window. While formal negotiations are yet to begin, sources suggest talks could accelerate in the coming days.
The Premier League champions appear well-positioned to handle Walker's potential exit, having already secured a £33.6 million ($41m) deal with Lens for Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov. The club is also in advanced discussions with Brazilian prospect Vitor Reis, while academy graduate Rico Lewis has already demonstrated his capability to fill Walker's role, having been selected ahead of the veteran in several fixtures this season.
Despite reported interest from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr, who have tempted Walker with a lucrative £400,000-per-week offer, the defender seems to favor continuing his career in European football. Milan's rich history and competitive standing in Serie A presents an attractive proposition for the experienced England international.
Walker's potential departure would signal the end of a remarkable chapter at Manchester City, where he has been instrumental in the club's dominance of English football. His move to Milan would not only offer him a fresh challenge but also provide the Italian giants with valuable experience in their defensive ranks.
