EPL: Manchester City considers replacing Kyle Walker with Achraf Hakimi
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could reportedly push for a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi if Kyle Walker leaves the club.
The 24-year-old has been identified as the perfect replacement for Kyle Walker as Pep Guardiola bids to set his side up for a future defence of the three major honours they spectacularly claimed last season.
Walker, who has one-year remaining on his deal in Manchester, looks set to join German champions Bayern Munich this summer.
It’s been suggested that the Cityzens could offer Walker a new deal, but recent reports have claimed that the former Tottenham Hotspur man is now closing in on a switch to Bayern.
Should Walker move on from Manchester City, Marca reported that Achraf Hakimi is Guardiola’s number one choice to replace him amid uncertainty over his PSG future.
The 24-year-old shone for Christophe Galtier’s side last season with five goals and six assists from 39 games in all tournaments, winning the Trophee des Champions and Ligue 1 title in the process.
Hakimi is not due to become a free agent for another three years, but his representative Alejandro Camano recently refused to rule out a move elsewhere for his client following another last-16 Champions League exit for Les Parisiens.
Man City have been keeping tabs on Hakimi since his rise to stardom at Borussia Dortmund and have touched base with PSG to discuss a possible move, but the French champions can afford to play hardball in negotiations.
As well as Walker, Man City are expected to wave goodbye to Joao Cancelo, who spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern after becoming a bit-part player for Guardiola.
Cancelo made a positive impression at the Allianz Arena with one goal and six assists in 21 matches, but Bayern are not expected to take up their offer of a permanent deal.
Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed that he would be interested in bringing Cancelo to Camp Nou, while Arsenal have also been tipped to make a move for the Portugal international but have apparently turned their attention to Ajax’s Jurrien Timber instead.
