Arsenal and Newcastle United are both showing an interest in signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard this summer.
Benjamin Pavard is out of contract in 2024 and now has interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United, according to 90Min.
It’s claimed that Arsenal and Newcastle both sent scouts to watch Bayern Munich host RB Leipzig on Saturday.
One of the players on their radars was Pavard, who lined up as a centre back in Bayern’s 3-1 defeat.
Pavard is widely expected to leave Bayern this summer given that he has just one year left on his contract.
Bayern won’t want to see Pavard leave for nothing in 2024 and that means a sale could be on the cards this summer.
Arsenal and Newcastle now appear to be interested with Manchester United also pursuing the Frenchman.
Benjamin Pavard makes sense for Arsenal
Hailed as ‘world class’ by Niko Kovac, Pavard will be appealing to many clubs given his contract situation and versatility.
The 27-year-old has proven himself as a right back and centre back with Bayern as well as for the French national team.
Who can forget his stunning goal against Argentina back in 2018?
Pavard has won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern as well as a Champions League but may be ready for a new challenge.
We can understand Newcastle’s interest; they may see Pavard as a right-sided centre back to partner Sven Botman moving forward.
Arsenal seems like a strong fit though given that Pavard can fill a couple of key roles.
Arsenal want another right back this summer as they seek competition for Ben White – a defender who can play at right back or centre back, just like Pavard.
The Gunners also need more cover for William Saliba as a right-sided centre back with Rob Holding expected to leave.
By landing Pavard, Arsenal would add competition for White whilst also adding depth behind Saliba.
Whether that’s the kind of role Pavard wants is unclear but Arsenal may well fancy taking advantage of his Bayern contract situation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
