AC Milan have reportedly passed up the chance to sign Kyle Walker permanently, with the full-back set to return to Manchester City this summer.
The 34-year-old joined Milan on loan in January for the rest of the season, seemingly closing the chapter on his lengthy spell at City. However, according to Calciomercato, the Italian giants don’t want to take up the option to sign the veteran permanently for just £4.2 million this summer.
Walker has made 12 appearances for Milan but has been out with a fractured elbow that required surgery in April. That injury and Alex Jimenez’s impressive form have reportedly convinced the Milan hierarchy against a permanent move. As a result, the England international faces an uncertain future.
Although it seemed as if Walker’s time at City was over, he did leave the door slightly ajar to a return last month. He said: “After I said my goodbyes, Pep [Guardiola] got up and spoke and said a really nice message to me, just saying thank you for everything. But, listen, it’s not over. I’m just on loan here. I’ve got to take that into consideration that I can go back. Obviously, both parties need to come to an agreement come the end of the season and… listen, the chapter’s not fully closed, but we’ll see what happens.”
While Walker continues his rehab, his loan club, Milan, take on Bologna in the Coppa Italia final on Friday, whereas City lock horns with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final a day later.
