Manchester City’s veteran defender Kyle Walker appears poised for a sensational move to AC Milan, with club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic taking a leading role in negotiations expected to conclude early this week. The surprise development follows Walker’s request to leave the Premier League champions, as confirmed by manager Pep Guardiola in a recent press conference.
According to The Telegraph, Milan’s pursuit of the 34-year-old England international has intensified, with Ibrahimovic personally driving the negotiations. The Swedish legend’s involvement signals Milan’s serious intent, with the club prepared to offer Walker a substantial two-and-a-half-year contract at the San Siro.
The proposed move represents more than just a late-career switch for Walker. Milan’s plans include immediately integrating him into their first-team setup, where he would compete for the right-back position with current options Emerson Royal and Davide Calabria. The potential arrival would also see Walker link up with USMNT star Christian Pulisic, adding further Premier League experience to Milan’s squad.
This transfer saga takes on additional complexity given Walker’s personal circumstances. The defender has recently reconciled with his wife Annie Kilner, making the timing of a potential move to Italy particularly significant. Sources suggest the Milan transfer could offer Walker an opportunity for a fresh start both professionally and personally.
Ibrahimovic’s prominent role in the negotiations highlights Milan’s evolving transfer strategy. The former striker, now serving as a club advisor, appears to be leveraging his experience and connections to attract established Premier League talent to Serie A. Walker’s potential arrival would follow the successful integration of other English-based players at Milan, suggesting a deliberate policy of tapping into the Premier League market.
The timing of Walker’s potential departure from Manchester City raises eyebrows given his crucial role in the team’s recent successes. However, Guardiola’s candid revelation about the player’s desire to explore new opportunities suggests a mutual understanding between club and player regarding the potential move.
Competition for Walker’s signature remains fierce, with reports of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and Milan’s city rivals Inter. However, the Rossoneri appear to have taken pole position in the race, with Ibrahimovic’s personal involvement potentially proving decisive in negotiations.
The structured nature of Milan’s approach, offering Walker a clear path to first-team football rather than a retirement plan, demonstrates the club’s serious intentions. The length of the proposed contract also suggests confidence in Walker’s ability to maintain his high performance levels despite his advancing years.
For Milan, securing Walker’s services would represent a significant coup, adding Premier League-winning experience and international pedigree to their defensive options. His potential partnership with Pulisic on the right side could prove particularly intriguing for the Italian giants as they look to strengthen their position in both domestic and European competitions.
As negotiations enter a crucial phase, all eyes will be on Milan’s hierarchy and Ibrahimovic to see if they can finalize what would be one of the most notable transfers of the January window. Walker’s imminent decision could set the tone for future Premier League veterans considering late-career moves to Serie A.
