Zlatan Ibrahimovic has officially confirmed that AC Milan remains interested in signing Kyle Walker from Manchester City, signaling a potential shift in the defensive line-up at the Serie A giants.
Walker, whose contract with City runs for another 18 months, has found himself at a crossroads, with his future at the club uncertain. At 34 years old, the England international is eyeing a move away from Manchester City, especially as the club has been unable to provide the assurance of a guaranteed first-choice spot in the starting XI.
Walker’s current contract situation leaves him with few options, and the player is reportedly considering his future, with AC Milan emerging as a potential destination. The Rossoneri have been following Walker’s situation closely, and Ibrahimovic, now serving as a senior advisor for the club, has expressed enthusiasm regarding the possibility of the experienced full-back joining Milan. In an interview with Sky in Italy, Ibrahimovic spoke highly of Walker’s qualities, reaffirming that the interest from Milan is serious.
“Everyone knows he’s a great player; he’s done great things at City, at Tottenham, in England,” Ibrahimovic said, reflecting on Walker’s illustrious career. “Does it go against our strategy or vision? No, he’s strong, he’s a leader. We are checking what is possible or not possible to do.” These words highlight that Milan sees Walker as a player who could add significant value to their defense, both on and off the pitch.
The interest in Walker, who has been a mainstay in Manchester City’s defense for years, comes at a time when the 34-year-old is contemplating the next phase of his career. Milan’s pursuit is not without complications, as the club’s strategic plans need to align with Walker’s aspirations. Ibrahimovic’s comments suggest that Milan sees the player as a strong leader capable of fitting into their vision without disrupting their long-term plans.
However, the path to securing Walker’s signature might not be as straightforward as it seems. Walker is not only considering offers from European powerhouses but also has lucrative proposals from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Despite several offers from Saudi Arabian sides, sources close to the player have revealed that none of these moves have yet appealed to Walker. This preference for remaining in Europe and playing at the highest level seems to be a major factor in his decision-making process.
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AC Milan’s interest in Walker fits into a broader strategy by the club to strengthen their defense with experienced, proven players. While the club is already active in the transfer market, the acquisition of a player like Walker would bolster their squad significantly. The full-back has been an essential part of Manchester City’s defensive unit, winning numerous titles and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs over the years.
The Rossoneri’s pursuit of Walker comes amidst other transfer rumors, including a cooling interest in Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Milan had previously been linked with a move for Rashford, but those discussions have lost momentum due to the club’s limited ability to sign non-EU players. Serie A rules stipulate that only two non-EU players can be signed by a club in a single season, and this restriction has made it difficult for Milan to pursue Rashford, despite his obvious talents.
Ibrahimovic’s influence as a senior advisor at Milan has already had a notable impact on the club’s transfer strategy. His endorsement of Walker is likely to carry significant weight within the club’s hierarchy, potentially pushing the deal over the line. If Milan can navigate the complexities of Serie A’s non-EU player quota and negotiate terms with Manchester City, Walker could be joining the Italian side in the near future.
It remains to be seen whether Walker will be swayed by Milan’s interest, or if the lure of a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League will be more appealing. For now, however, Milan’s hopes of bringing him to San Siro appear to be alive, with Ibrahimovic confirming that the club is doing everything possible to assess the feasibility of the move.
As Milan continues to monitor Walker’s situation, the decision will ultimately come down to whether the club can meet the player’s demands, both in terms of playing time and financial package. With Walker still capable of performing at a high level, AC Milan may prove to be an attractive proposition for the veteran defender, particularly if they can offer him a prominent role in their backline.
For now, AC Milan fans will be eagerly watching developments surrounding Walker, as Ibrahimovic’s comments have only increased speculation. While other clubs may still enter the fray, Milan’s desire to strengthen their defensive options is clear, and Walker could be the ideal addition to help them in their pursuit of further glory in Serie A and beyond.
As the transfer window continues to heat up, all eyes will be on Kyle Walker’s next move, with AC Milan sitting front and center in the race to secure his services. Ibrahimovic’s recent remarks only add fuel to the fire, and the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether Walker takes the leap to Italy or stays put at Manchester City for the remainder of his career.
