Benjamin Pavard has personally told Bayern Munich he wants to leave the Bundesliga giant, amid Arsenal, Manchester United and Inter Milan showing interest in a transfer.
That is according to Sky Germany, which reports that Pavard spoke with Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen on Wednesday. The 27-year-old met with the FCB executive to argue his future at the Allianz Arena. But he used the talks to state a clear desire to leave the club.
Pavard believes now is the time to enjoy a fresh challenge after entering the final year of his contract. The 49-cap France defender has been in Bavaria since July 2019 and has enjoyed 163 appearances. He has also helped to four Bundesliga titles and a Champions League title.
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Bayern Munich laugh off Inter Milan’s first bid for Benjamin Pavard’s transfer
However, Pavard faces a frustrating wait as Bayern Munich have not received any offers they believe to be serious. Inter Milan have submitted an opening bid for the Maubeuge native’s services. But the Serie A side only presented a €30m (£26m) offer that included add-ons.
Bayern Munich are demanding an upfront sum worth no less than €40m (£34m) for Pavard. The Bavarian powerhouse also wants to include future add-ons in the terms of any deal for his signature. If they do not receive sufficient bids, Der FCB will keep Pavard until next year.
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Allianz Arena chiefs are prepared to risk Pavard leaving Bayern Munich in a free transfer next June. While further interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United will only support their price tag. The Gunners and Red Devils are also considering their own bids.
According to Fabrizio Romano, losing Jurrien Timber to an ACL injury has tempted Arsenal to consider Pavard’s transfer from Bayern Munich. The Gunners are examining their need for a replacement to maintain the depth in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Timber will miss several months.
But Manchester United also admire Pavard, although their pursuit of the Frenchman hinges on selling Harry Maguire first. Erik ten Hag wants the versatile right-back, who can also play as a centre-half, to replace the defender. Pavard is also interested in a move to Old Trafford.
Pavard is even willing to ‘fight as hard as possible’ to secure a transfer to Manchester United from Bayern Munich, per Sky Sports. Yet the former VfB Stuttgart star, who Niko Kovac once called ‘world-class’, has continued to wait due to the large gaps in the two club’s valuations.