Manchester City star rejects contract offers as Etihad Stadium exit eyed in coming weeks

Pep Guardiola could be on the verge of losing a third senior first-team player after it was revealed that Kyle Walker had rejected the club’s attempts to renew his deal.

The England international fell somewhat out of favour during the second-half of the treble-winning season last campaign, often playing second-fiddle to the likes of Rico Lewis and John Stones in a position that was modified by Pep Guardiola.

The Manchester City boss would often see his right-sided full-back invert and stand alongside Rodri in defensive midfield and play a crucial role in possession – a system that Guardiola himself admitted that he felt Walker could not play.

However, Kyle Walker was called upon in crucial Champions League matches and contests that would see Manchester City come up against more fast and skilful attackers, including Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid in the semi-final stage of the competition.

Unfortunately for the 33-year-old, that would also mean missing out on a start in the Champions League final against Inter – a decision that is understood to have caused plenty of disappointment in the mind of Walker.

As such, there is a feeling from the player that this summer could mark the beginning of a fresh start, and subsequently a move to the Bundesliga has become a very real possibility over the last few weeks.

According to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Kyle Walker has already rejected Manchester City’s attempts to agree a new contract, as he holds a desire to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

While it is highlighted that the two clubs have already discussed a possible deal during their meeting in Japan where both clubs met in pre-season last month, there is said to be no resolution in sight at present.

Crucially perhaps for Manchester City ahead of the new season, the report details that the club appear happy with their numbers in the right-back position and as such may not sign a replacement with John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis all named as options.

Manchester City are instead expected to focus their attentions on signing a wide attacker, or a new midfield option, but only after signing Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in the coming days.

It is understood that the Bundesliga and Premier League clubs have finally reached an agreement on a fee, with City expected to pay around £78 million for the 21-year-old in a deal that does not include any add-ons.

Gvardiol is set to travel to Manchester in the coming hours and days before undergoing his medical with the Premier League champions, and may even travel with the squad to London for the FA Community Shield clash against Arsenal.