AC Milan have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign defender Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that the 34-year-old has asked to leave the Citizens as he wishes to 'explore options abroad'.
Walker, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football during the prime years of his career, has played an important role in Man City's success since joining in 2017, making 319 appearances across all tournaments and winning 17 trophies.
However, the six-time Premier League winner looked vulnerable earlier this season during a period when Man City were collectively struggling towards the end of last year, and his error-strewn performances came under much scrutiny from Citizens supporters.
Walker has been left out of Man City's last three games and was omitted from Guardiola's 21-man travelling squad to France for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain amidst uncertainty over his future.
It had previously been reported that clubs in the Saudi Pro League were expressing an interest in Walker, but the England international is keen to remain in Europe and has seemingly chosen to join Italian giants AC Milan.
© Imago
Walker set for Milan medical ahead of Man City exit
According to Sky Sports in Italy, there is a 'total agreement' between Man City and Milan for Walker to move to San Siro on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.
Milan also have an option to sign Walker permanently next summer for €5m (£4.2m), and the player has agreed a contract until 2027 if that buy clause is activated.
There have been conflicting reports over who will cover Walker's wages; multiple Italian media outlets claim that the defender is arriving on a 'free loan', while journalist Fabrizio Romano states that Milan will in fact cover Walker's salary.
Plans are now said to be in place for Walker to arrive in Italy on Thursday and will undergo his medical before the end of the week ahead of finalising his move to Milan.
Walker is set to become the fourth English member of Sergio Conceicao's Milan squad, joining Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori.
Whether Man City opt to sign a replacement for Walker this month remains to be seen; they have already signed centre-back duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, while they are known to be admirers of Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso, but they may decide to pursue him in the summer.
Oliver Thomas
