Stunning U-turn sees Man City deal thunder towards completion, with rival agreement torched

A last-gasp attempt by Man City to redirect a transfer looks set to pay off, with Fabrizio Romano confirming a deal at Bayern Munich’s expense is imminent.

Despite winning the treble last season, change is very much afoot at the Etihad this summer. Indeed, established stars such as Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona) and Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) have already left.

Elsewhere, Kyle Walker is wanted at Bayern Munich, while Josko Gvardiol’s arrival will force Aymeric Laporte out and Barcelona are once again sniffing around Bernardo Silva.

Regarding Walker, the veteran full-back, 33, actually agreed personal terms with Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern way back in mid-July, per Sky Germany.

A two-year deal with an option for a third was agreed. In lieu of Guardiola’s formation change to a 3-2-4-1, Walker was seemingly of the view the time was right to explore a move away.

However, Bayern and Man City failed to reach an agreement over the transfer fee over the subsequent weeks. With the new season fast approaching, City have moved to end all speculation surrounding Walker and Silva by offering new and improved contracts.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the new deal City have put to Walker is close to being accepted. Per the transfer guru, Walker is now “expected to stay and sign [the] new deal” at Man City.

In further positive news for Guardiola and co. Romano concluded Silva too is now on course to pen fresh terms.

Silva’s importance has increased following Mahrez’s exit to Al Ahli. Mahrez accrued the most minutes in the right wing position last term, but it was Silva who regularly got the nod against the toughest opponents. Silva was selected on the right wing against Arsenal in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Walker is not a natural fit for the 3-2-4-1 formation and Guardiola has previously gone on record to acknowledge that.

However, few right-backs in world football are more capable of shutting down deadly left wingers than Walker.

Vinicius Jr in last year’s Champions League final got little change out of the Englishman, for example.

Clearly, Walker still has value at the Etihad and Man City have responded with a tempting contract offer that will now be accepted.

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