Chelsea to battle Manchester United for Benjamin Pavard
According to Ekrem Konur on Twitter (h/t Football.London), Chelsea and Manchester United both are interested in signing Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich amid uncertainty regarding the player’s future.
Following Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt, Pavard’s future at the club is questionable. This could see him move on this summer. Pavard’s predicament has alerted elite clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
Pavard is already on Manchester United’s list of transfer targets as they look to rebuild under Erik ten Hag. Chelsea are also interested in him since they need defensive reinforcements heading into the 2022/23 campaign.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s departures have left Chelsea with much to do this summer. Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta could also follow suit and follow his former teammates to the La Liga. Given that the veteran could play both right-back and centre-back, his potential departure will leave us with a huge void to fill.
Chelsea might make a move for Pavard in an effort to fill that gap. The Frenchman is equally adaptable and can play a variety of defensive positions, including his preferred right-back and centre defence. He would be a useful alternative for Thomas Tuchel, whose team is in need of significant reinforcements this summer
Pavard, a right-back in trade, has demonstrated his talent in the past for his club and nation. He is still considered as one of the top right-backs in France and his coolness on the pitch makes him a reliable player. Additionally, Bayern Munich will ask for about £30million for him.
Reece James is now Chelsea’s main contender for the position of right-wingback. Whether or not Azpilciueta stays, the Blues will be well served to bring in an able backup for James. Tuchel would be forced to search the market for a new right-sided full-back who can fit in his system at Stamford Bridge, something that is easier said than done.
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Chelsea should seriously consider Pavard as a potential player. The Frenchman, who is 26 years old, is approaching the pinnacle of his career and has top-tier expertise from his time at Bayern Munich. Due to his versatility as a defender, Tuchel may opt to employ him in his three-man backline as a right-sided centre-half.