Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly considering a potential transfer move for Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi if Kyle Walker decides to leave the club. Guardiola views the 24-year-old Hakimi as an ideal replacement for Walker, as he aims to build a strong defense to defend the major honors Manchester City achieved last season. Walker, who has one year remaining on his contract with the club, appears to be on the verge of joining German champions Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window.
While there have been suggestions that Manchester City could offer Walker a new contract, recent reports indicate that the former Tottenham Hotspur player is closing in on a move to Bayern. In the event that Walker departs from Manchester City, it has been reported by Marca that Achraf Hakimi is Guardiola's top choice to fill the right-back position. Hakimi impressed during his time with Christophe Galtier's team last season, contributing five goals and six assists in 39 appearances across all competitions, and winning both the Trophee des Champions and the Ligue 1 title.
Although Hakimi's current contract with PSG still has three years remaining, his representative, Alejandro Camano, has not ruled out the possibility of a transfer elsewhere following PSG's early exit from the Champions League. Manchester City has been monitoring Hakimi since his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund and has reportedly engaged in discussions with PSG regarding a potential move. However, PSG holds a strong negotiating position due to their financial capabilities.
In addition to Kyle Walker, Manchester City is also expected to part ways with Joao Cancelo, who spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Bayern Munich after struggling for consistent playing time under Guardiola. Cancelo made a positive impact during his loan spell with Bayern, contributing one goal and six assists in 21 matches. However, it is unlikely that Bayern will exercise their option to sign him permanently.
Barcelona manager Xavi has expressed interest in bringing Cancelo to Camp Nou, while Arsenal has also been linked with a potential move for the Portuguese international. However, recent reports suggest that Arsenal has shifted their attention towards Ajax's Jurrien Timber instead. The transfer market is dynamic, and further developments are expected as clubs continue their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
