Reports: Walker could make debut in derby vs. Inter as Man City approve loan | OneFootball

It is taking longer than was perhaps initially thought, but Kyle Walker is slowly getting closer to joining AC Milan from Manchester City.

La Gazzetta dello Sport have published a report this morning which speaks about Milan’s targets, focusing above all on Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez who has apparently said yes to the idea of joining in January.

The paper states that he could debut together with Walker in the derby against Inter on Sunday 2 February. An agreement between the Manchester City management and their Milan counterparts has practically been reached, on the basis of a loan with an option to buy.

However, the Englishman’s flight to Italy has been postponed to tomorrow or Friday. Why? Since after the medical and signing the contract until 2027 he will have to return to England to obtain the residence permit necessary to complete the transfer, he will train with his team-mates only next week.

He is expected to join up with the squad either before (Tuesday morning) or after (Thursday) the Champions League match away against Dinamo Zagreb, which will close out the campaign. Emerson Royal, meanwhile, could depart to make room for him in the squad list.

According to Sky, meanwhile, City have said yes to the idea of a free loan for Walker and now they are negotiating the figure for the option to buy. A contract until 2027 is ready for if it becomes a permanent deal, and the 34-year-old could arrive in Italy as early as tomorrow.