Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to lock horns in the race to sign 25-year-old Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are interested in Benjamin Pavard. The 25-year-old defender could leave Bayern Munich in next summer’s transfer window after deciding not to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga champions.
Benjamin Pavard joined Bayern Munich from VfB Stuttgart in July 2019 and has since made giant strides in his career. The versatile defender had already generated a lot of buzz following his performances for France in their triumphant FIFA World Cup 2018 campaign in Russia, where he played a key role in their success.
The 25-year-old has not featured week in week out at the Allianz Arena but is the first-choice right-back for Bayern Munich. To date, Pavard has made 100 appearances for the Bundesliga champions, chipping in with five goals and 11 assists in the process. However, the player could leave Bayern next summer after refusing to sign a new contract, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid keen on signing him.
The interest from Real Madrid makes sense, as Dani Carvajal is the only natural right-back at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. With the Spanish international beset by a few fitness issues in the past year, it will be prudent to invest in a right-back, especially with Alvaro Odriozola likely to be sold once he returns from his loan spell at Fiorentina.
As a result, the La Liga leaders have been linked with several right-backs, including Denzel Dumfries, with Pavard also a viable target. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid’s need for a right-sided defender could be stemming from Kieran Trippier’s uncertain future at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The Englishman is heavily linked with Newcastle United over a possible January move, and his exit would prompt Atletico Madrid to bring in a replacement. To that end, Pavard is an option worth considering for the Colchoneros.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid might also be attracted by his ability to play as a centre-back equally adeptly, considering both clubs are reportedly in the market for a central defender. So, the 25-year-old is an appealing target for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. If he remains adamant about not signing a new deal with Bayern Munich, it will not be surprising to see the Bundesliga giants selling him to either Madrilean club.
