Real Madrid will reportedly wage a battle with Chelsea in the race to sign French defender Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Benjamin Pavard is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The disgruntled Bayern Munich defender is also a target for Chelsea, with Atletico Madrid considering a move.
Benjamin Pavard spent his formative years in his homeland France before graduating from the LOSC Lille academy in 2014. But the player’s stock has skyrocketed since moving to Germany. The 26-year-old first made a name for himself at VfB Stuttgart before joining Bayern Munich three years ago.
The French defender has also won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Les Bleus when he was one of the rising defenders in Europe. As for the stint with Bayern Munich, Pavard has turned out 139 times while chipping in with nine goals and 11 assists. But recent reports have claimed that he is disgruntled at Bayern Munich. And such a situation has alerted Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Real Madrid might enter the market for a right-back next year if Dani Carvajal continues to perform inconsistently. With Lucas Vazquez’s levels waning and Alvaro Odriozola out of favour, Carlo Ancelotti does not have any other reliable right-back at his disposal.
Several players, including Sacha Boey, have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s radar. And Pavard is also a viable target for the reigning La Liga champions. But Real Madrid will face stiff competition from Chelsea in the race to sign the disgruntled Bayern Munich defender.
Chelsea thought about signing Pavard in the summer transfer window before choosing not to bring in a new right-back. But with Cesar Azpilicueta approaching the final phase of his career, Graham Potter needs an alternative for Reece James. Recent weeks have shown why Chelsea will need to land a new right-back, with James nursing a knee injury.
Apart from Real Madrid and Chelsea, Atletico Madrid might also look to sign Pavard. Recent reports have claimed that the 26-year-old might not sign a new contract with Bayern Munich. That will hand the Frenchman’s suitors the impetus to pursue him with vigour.
