Arsenal could now move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard as a replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the 27-year-old, who has been strongly linked with Manchester United, could be targeted following a long-term injury to Timber.
The France international is capable of playing at both full-back and centre-back and famously scored one of the best goals of the tournament as France won the World Cup in 2018.
Romano has claimed that Pavard “could become option for Arsenal to replace Timber,” but there is “no decision yet.”
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The defender looks set to leave Bayern this summer, as he has just one year left on his contract and wants to move on to a new challenge.
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Should Arsenal sign Pavard?
Whilst the 27-year-old would be a proven, experienced option who could step in for Timber as a rotational member of the back four, there are some issues to consider.
Thomas Tuchel recently described him as “underrated,” but his time at Bayern has seen Pavard even lose his place in the team because of attitude problems under Julian Nagelsmann.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to eradicate big egos from the Arsenal squad, with troublesome players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Matteo Guendouzi being frozen out before departing.
Pavard could provide problems if he is unhappy with a squad role, and it seems unlikely that he will regularly start if Ben White and William Saliba stay fit.
If however, he is happy to fight for his place, then he could be an excellent depth option at both right and centre-back, replacing Timber’s versatility, whilst his ability on the ball ranks as one of the best in Europe.
It is certainly an option for Arteta to consider, should he wish to enter the market to replace Timber, and it will be interesting to see what decision is made over the World Cup winner.