Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker remains keen on a move to Bayern Munich it has been reported.
Sam Lee of the Athletic has reported that the England international has spurned the champion’s advances to retain his services.
He further reports that the two clubs met in Tokyo for discussions on a potential deal for Walker. No deal was agreed, so he remains a Manchester City player for now.
Pep Guardiola has spoken of the champion’s desire to retain the full-back. Speaking on City’s tour of Asia, before the Bayern Munich game Guardiola said: “He’s an incredibly important player for us. He has specific qualities, so difficult to find worldwide. His specific qualities are irreplaceable. We want him, yes. In the end, I don’t know what will happen. I know we’re in contact, both clubs, we will fight for him like I’m sure Bayern will do it. I don’t know how it will finish.”
With Walker’s future still undecided, it leaves the treble winners in an interesting spot should Kyle Walker leave the club. There aren’t any obvious replacements with the qualities the England international possesses. Amongst the current squad John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis could slot into the right side of defense if Walker does exit the club.
Josko Gvardiol’s impending arrival at Manchester City as reported by Fabrizio Romano, would give the champions more defensive cover. He would ideally slot into the left side of the City’s defensive set-up, freeing up the aforementioned players to cover the right side of Guardiola’s set-up.
It appears Manchester City would rather keep Kyle Walker at the club than lose him so close to a new season beginning. With a year left on his current deal, City may look to retain his services for one more season.
