Manchester City Line Up Kyle Walker’s Replacement as ‘Enquiry Made’ for Highly-Rated Star Compared to Dani Carvajal
Manchester City are preparing for life without Kyle Walker, who is set to leave the club in the coming days after agreeing on a move to AC Milan. Walker, a vital part of City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, is ready to embark on a new challenge in Serie A, leaving the Premier League champions in need of a capable replacement to fill the void he will leave in the right-back position.
To address this, City have reportedly turned their attention to Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina. The Nigerian international has emerged as a strong candidate for the role, with the club reportedly making an initial enquiry to gauge his availability. Aina’s impressive performances and versatility have not gone unnoticed, as he has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal for his two-way play and adaptability across multiple defensive roles.
Walker’s Departure Creates a Void
Kyle Walker, 33, has been a key figure in Manchester City’s success since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017. His pace, defensive acumen, and ability to perform in Guardiola’s hybrid system have been integral to City’s tactical flexibility. However, as Walker prepares to join AC Milan, the club has prioritized finding a player capable of replicating his contributions.
Aina, 27, has emerged as a leading option to replace Walker. Since joining Nottingham Forest in 2023, Aina has been one of the club’s standout performers. The former Chelsea academy product has developed into a versatile and dependable defender, able to play as a traditional right-back, wing-back, or even as a left-back when needed. His adaptability and tactical intelligence align perfectly with Guardiola’s system, which values players who can seamlessly transition between roles during matches.
Aina’s Style and Comparisons to Carvajal
Aina’s style of play mirrors that of Dani Carvajal, known for his relentless energy, overlapping runs, and defensive stability. Aina brings a similar combination of attacking dynamism and defensive reliability, making him a two-way threat. He is adept at delivering precise crosses, supporting offensive transitions, and tracking back to maintain defensive shape, traits that are crucial for Guardiola’s high-intensity style.
His experience in both the Premier League and Serie A, where he spent time with Torino, has shaped him into a mature and well-rounded player. Aina’s composure on the ball and ability to read the game would allow him to thrive under Guardiola’s meticulous coaching, making him a natural fit for City’s system.
Nunes Struggles as a Temporary Solution
Manchester City initially experimented with Matheus Nunes as a makeshift right-back to cover Walker’s position, but the midfielder struggled to adapt to the demands of the role. Nunes, primarily signed for his contributions in midfield, failed to deliver the defensive solidity and positional awareness needed in Guardiola’s setup. This has further tempted City to pursue Aina, who is a natural defender with the versatility and skills required for the position.
City’s Enquiry and Nottingham Forest’s Stance
Reports suggest that Manchester City have made an enquiry regarding Aina’s availability, signaling their intent to advance discussions during the upcoming transfer window. Nottingham Forest, however, are reluctant to lose one of their key players. Aina, who signed a three-year contract with Forest in 2023, has quickly become an integral part of Steve Cooper’s side.
While Forest are not actively looking to sell, Manchester City’s financial power and Aina’s potential desire to join a title-contending team could influence negotiations.
Guardiola’s Vision and Aina’s Fit
Guardiola’s preference for versatile, technically gifted players makes Aina an ideal candidate for City. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively aligns with Guardiola’s system, and his Premier League experience ensures a smooth transition. Aina’s versatility across multiple defensive roles provides the tactical flexibility that City thrive on, making him a potential key figure in Guardiola’s evolving squad.
Competition for Places
Should Aina join City, he will face competition from Joao Cancelo—if he remains at the club—and Rico Lewis, the promising academy graduate. However, Aina’s experience and adaptability could give him an edge in high-pressure situations and important fixtures.
Conclusion
As Kyle Walker prepares to finalize his move to AC Milan, Manchester City are actively working to secure a capable replacement. Ola Aina has emerged as a leading candidate, with his qualities as a versatile, reliable defender making him an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system. While Nottingham Forest may be hesitant to part ways with Aina, City’s interest and financial resources could pave the way for a move.
If the transfer materializes, Aina could provide Manchester City with the perfect solution to replace Walker, helping the club maintain their domestic and European dominance while adding another dynamic option to their already formidable squad.
