Latest developments
- AC Milan are in the driving seat to sign Kyle Walker.
- The Man City full-back wants to move abroad this month.
- He was left out of City's squad in the FA Cup due to uncertainty over his future.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): ESPN are reliable
AC Milan are “leading the chase” for Kyle Walker, as the Englishman wants to leave Manchester City. He has already told director of football Txiki Begiristain that he wants to move abroad this month.
The very reliable ESPN are reporting this rumour. They suggest that his discussion with Begiristain played a part in Pep Guardiola dropping him from his squad for the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City.
Value (3.5/5): Walker's desire could favour Milan
The 34-year-old is tied to City until the summer of 2026, meaning the Etihad outfit could still fetch a good fee for the £8.4 million-rated full-back. However, with Walker determined to leave the club in January and now out of Guardiola's squad, Milan could secure his services for a lower fee.
Suitability (4/5): Versatile defender
It is still very early days of Sergio Conceicao's reign, so it remains unclear what formation the Portuguese would use in Milan. In Walker, he would be getting a defender who is capable of adding pace as a traditional right-back and impressive positional awareness as a right-sided centre-back in a back three.
Upgrade? (4/5): Better than Calabria
Davide Calabria has been Milan's most consistent right-back in recent times, but even he lacks physicality and technical ability to make any considerable difference on either end of the pitch. Walker's pace could still prove to be threatening in the final third in Serie A.
Logic (3.5/5): A different experience
Having won all the major trophies under Guardiola, this appears to be a good time for Walker to experience a different footballing culture. With the Rossoneri, he could not only achieve that but also compete at the highest level. City, meanwhile, can rely on the talented Rico Lewis until they find an elite right-back to fill Walker's void.
Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25
The reputation of the source combined with Pep Guardiola's decision to drop Walker suggests a City exit is imminent for Walker. Milan appears to be the most likely destination.
