Walker: Milan early leaders in race to sign England international from Man City | OneFootball

Reports in both Italy and the UK claim that Milan are currently ‘at the front of the queue’ in the race to sign England international Kyle Walker from Manchester City this month.

City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed during his press conference on Saturday that Walker has requested a move away from the Etihad ‘to explore options to play abroad’. The 34-year-old was not included in the matchday squad for City’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City as a result.

“It’s not easy for me to say because I should tell him but he’s not here so two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career,” Guardiola told the press.

“He’s been our right-back, giving us something we didn’t have, but now in his mind he would like to explore to go to another country to play his last years for many reasons.

“For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here. He went to Txiki. He asked to explore, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know the situation.”

Kyle Walker of England controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Reports Milan leading race to sign Walker from Man City

According to reports from the Telegraph and Calciomercato,com, Milan are at the ‘front of the queue’ to sign Walker from City this month.

The England international has 18 months remaining on his current deal with the Citizens, and CaughtOffside claim that City will ask for a transfer fee in the region of €15m if he is to be sold this month.

City have already established their potential replacements, as Rico Lewis has already played in more league matches this campaign than he did in the whole of last season, while City are also set to complete the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov from Ligue 1 side Lens.

Due to Serie A regulations, Milan will only be able to sign one of Walker or Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford without moving some of their current first-team players on first, due to rules surrounding the registration status of British players.