It has been a difficult week for Bayern Munich regarding developments over summer transfer deals. The Bavarian club had a third bid rejected for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane on Monday. They are now set to miss out on Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, who was one of the prime transfer targets for Tuchel this summer.
According to The Athletic, Kyle Walker is set to stay at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola and Man City have convinced Walker to stay, and a new contract is on the table for him. It is a major blow for Die Roten as they considered Walker as one of the key additions this summer.
The information from The Athletic has also been confirmed by Bild and Sport1 in Germany. Walker had verbally agreed personal terms with Bayern in July. He was open to joining Die Roten once the two clubs agreed a transfer fee. However, talks between Manchester City and Bayern never moved in the positive direction.
Pep Guardiola consistently insisted that he wants Walker to be part of Manchester City’s squad next season. The Spaniard is set to get his wish fulfilled as the European champions are reportedly offering a much better deal than Bayern. The Bundesliga champions had offered Walker a two-year deal with an option for another year.
TRUE✅ Kyle Walker told Bayern that he will stay at Manchester City @BILD_Sport @altobelli13
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 8, 2023
Bayern had identified Walker as a direct replacement for Benjamin Pavard. The French defender remains keen on leaving Munich this summer. The Bundesliga champions are yet to receive a concrete offer for the French international.
Walker would have provided quality depth in the right-back position. He has been one of the best full-backs in Europe during the last five seasons. Moreover, he can also play in a back three if needed. The England international has won every possible trophy with Manchester City in the last six years, so he would have brought a winning mentality to Die Roten’s squad.
In terms of alternatives for Walker, Bayern was linked with a move for Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spaniard is no longer on the market as he sealed a move to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in June. Die Roten may have to look at other versatile right-backs that can help them in covering at least two positions in the back four.
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In an ideal scenario, Bayern finds a way to convince Pavard regarding a new contract. The French defender has been a solid performer for Die Roten in the last four seasons. Finding a replacement for him will be difficult, especially after missing out on Walker.