‘Man City to agree new Kyle Walker deal after update from Italy – it will be done’
Kyle Walker left Man City on loan for AC Milan earlier this year after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
The England international joined the Serie A giants on loan in the January transfer window, with a £4.3million option-to-buy clause included in the deal.
However, Italian newspaper Gazzetta reported on 14 April Walker is likely to return to Man City once his loan deal comes to an end.
The right-back, 34, is currently on the sidelines after breaking his arm in training with Milan.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has revealed what he has heard on Walker’s future.
‘Man City return for Walker will be difficult’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed it is likely Walker will remain in Milan despite the noise in the Italian media.
He has made 12 appearances for the San Siro side this term but is yet to register a goal or assist.
| Appearances | 319 |
| Minutes Played | 25716 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 23 |
| Yellow Cards | 31 |
| Red Cards | 2 |
Wyness insisted Walker will make a full return to fitness despite his advancing years, but admitted it will be difficult for City to bring him back.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think it will be difficult for City to take him back.
“I believe he will be staying down with AC Milan. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is now a consultant with the club, is the one driving these decisions.
“He would like Walker to stay.
“It’s only an elbow injury that has kept him sidelined, so it’s nothing major.
“He’ll return to full fitness, he looks after himself well and he still has that great pace.
“I believe there will be a deal done where he stays with AC Milan.”
Man City identify ‘number one target’ to replace De Bruyne
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (19 April) Florian Wirtz is now viewed as the “number-one target” to replace Kevin De Bruyne when the summer window opens.
City have identified four potential De Bruyne replacements including Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jamal Musiala and Wirtz.
Guardiola views Wirtz as the dream signing, but sources say Bayern Munich are the current front-runners and a deal could prove difficult for City to pull off.
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