Bayern Munich president rules out letting £30m ace join Arsenal or Liverpool

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Bayern Munich’s president has confirmed the Bundesliga champions want to keep Benjamin Pavard amid links with Premier League trio Newcastle United, Liverpool and Arsenal. 

The outspoken France international has certainly made no secret of his desire to play as a centre-half rather than as a right-back at the Allianz Arena.

The only problem is, Benjamin Pavard’s performances in a central role have, well, let’s just say they’ve left a lot to be desired at times. The 2018 World Cup winner endured an afternoon to forget as Bayern were hammered 3-1 at home by RB Leipzig in May; a result which looked to have cost Thomas Tuchel’s side the title before Borussia Dortmund’s remarkable final day meltdown. 

Nonetheless, president Herbert Hainer is playing down reports suggesting that Bayern would cash in on the former Stuttgart youngster for a fee in the region of £30 million. Pavard, he says, will be offered the chance to bounce back from a disappointing 2022/23 campaign. 

“There are rumours about FC Bayern every day,” Hainer tells BILD TV. “Because our players are popular. 

“Pavard has shown very good performances and we’d like to continue with him.” 

Benjamin Pavard likely to stay at Bayern Munich

Arsenal and Newcastle United are among those, according to 90Min, keeping tabs on Pavard’s situation. German publication Kicker say that Liverpool have also lodged an enquiry of their own; a right-sided defender seemingly high on Klopp’s wishlist with Micky Van de Ven, Jurrien Timber and Perr Schuurs also linked. 

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has all-but ruled out a move to the Camp Nou for Pavard, however. Following the departure of Sergio Busquets, a deep-lying midfielder is now Barca’s number one summer target. 

“Right-back is not the No. 1 priority,” the Barcelona coach tells ESPN. “Busquets is going. So it is obvious we need a top-level defensive midfielder for next season. 

“Our captain is leaving, so we need a very good player to come in. We have to replace him in the best possible way. From there, there are other priorities and the more we strengthen, the better. We want to be more competitive.”