French international Benjamin Pavard is pushing for a move away from Bayern Munich this summer and though the defender had been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League and Manchester United in particular, it looks as though a transfer to Italy’s Inter Milan is in the works instead.
The World Cup winner has been plying his trade in the German Bundesliga since 2016 and it is believed that he is eager for a change of scenery. Pavard joined Bayern Munich from Stuttgart in 2019 and the 27-year-old lifted four league titles and a Champions League during his stay with the Bavarians.
With his proposed move to Man Utd falling through, Pavard now looks set to jet into Milan to sign for Simone Inzaghi’s Inter.
Benjamin Pavard to Inter Milan: Latest update
Inter Milan are working hard behind the scenes to tie up a deal to bring Pavard to Italy and the club’s CEO Giuseppe Morata has confirmed that the Nerazzurri are in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for the defender.
Speaking this week, Morata said: “Pavard? Deal on. We are still negotiating with Bayern. The player’s will is crucial and he wants to join Inter. Bayern need a replacement to let him leave, this is the issue. But talks are ongoing.”
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi also spoke briefly about the club’s pursuit of Pavard, however, he did insist that he couldn’t discuss the issue further with the player still contracted to Bayern Munich.
The Frenchman, who can be deployed at both right and centre back, had been preparing himself for a move to Old Trafford, however, his Man Utd transfer hopes rested on the future of Harry Maguire and after the latter failed to complete a move to West Ham, Pavard’s own shift collapsed.
With Inter and Bayern now locked in negotiations, Benjamin Pavard should be able to pack his bags relatively soon.
Inter and Bayern are very close to reaching an agreement for Benjamin Pavard. The Italians have raised their offer to €28m + €5m, gap is now only €2m. Everything should be wrapped up today. Bayern want the fixed part to be €30m, Inter are preparing a final raise. Deal is… pic.twitter.com/Vm6U4X5ue1
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 21, 2023
Where would Pavard fit in at Bayern Munich?
Inter Milan favour a 3-5-2 formation under Simone Inzaghi and the fact that the Nerazzurri don’t play with traditional fullbacks should work in Pavard’s favour.
The Frenchman was regularly deployed as a right back during his stint with Bayern Munich, however, it has been widely documented that Pavard sees himself as a central defender and the 27-year-old should have more opportunities to shine in that role at San Siro.
Inter lost the services of defensive stalwart Milan Skriniar in the summer after the Slovakian joined PSG on a free transfer and with most of their other options at the back inching into uncomfortable realms in terms of their age profile, the addition of Pavard could be key.
Matteo Darmian (33), Stefan de Vrij (31) and Francesco Acerbi (35) are all on the wrong side of 30 and at 27, Pavard could help to bring the average age of Simone Inzaghi’s defensive options down while adding excellent pedigree and a top-class skill set.
Pavard also has a solid injury record and his consistent availability should make him a real asset for Inter in 2023/24.
