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Pep Guardiola sends fresh Kyle Walker transfer warning following 150 minute talks
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sent a new transfer warning to Bayern Munich, as the Catalan continues to try and keep defender Kyle Walker at the club.
Walker captained Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but remains subject to intense transfer interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who are also looking to sign the full-back’s former teammate Harry Kane.
The 33-year-old wore the armband for the Blues’ late FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, as Manchester City lost 4-1 on penalties, despite leading until the 101st minute.
Leandro Trossard’s deflected effort cancelled out Cole Palmer’s stunning opening goal, with City suffering a second successive Community Shield loss, and ending their imperious winning streak over Arsenal.
Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri both missed penalties during the shoot-out, with Sunday’s match also providing an opportunity for Mateo Kovacic to make his competitive debut for the reigning Premier League champions.
Fellow summer signing Josko Gvardiol didn’t feature after completing his £77.6 million move from RB Leipzig on Saturday, while Joao Cancelo was absent from the matchday squad.
Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker were both handed starts by Guardiola, although the pair continue to be linked with a potential exit from the Etihad Stadium.
Bayern Munich are still pressing to sign Walker; while Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain hold an interest in Bernardo Silva, but are yet to present a respectable offer.
In an attempt to fend off interest from Germany, Walker has been offered a new contract with the treble-winners, as the Englishman’s current deal is set to expire in 2024.
Walker and Guardiola were pictured dining at a Manchester restaurant on Friday evening, with the pair together for two and a half hours, according to The Sun.
As the Manchester City boss continues to press to keep the right-back at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola delivered a fresh transfer warning following Sunday’s loss to Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.
“Seven years together and such an important player for us. Hopefully he can stay.
“We have one more year of contract, it’s not the end so if someone wants him they have to talk, like Bernardo. We want them to stay, they are so important for us.”
Manchester City begin their Premier League title defence at Turf Moor on Friday evening, and it remains to be seen whether there will be further transfer activity ahead of the match against Burnley.
Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have both already left the Blues this summer – with Manchester City actively seeking to replace the latter during the current transfer window.
Crystal Palace star Michael Olise has been mooted, meanwhile Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma has emerged as surprise target.
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