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Report: Arsenal could hijack move for Manchester United target

By Abdullah Mamaniyat

UNTERHACHING, GERMANY - AUGUST 07: Benjamin Pavard of FC Bayern München talks to team mate Nouassir Mazraoui during the pre-season friendly match between FC Bayern München and AS Monaco at Sportpark Unterhaching on August 07, 2023 in Unterhaching, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
UNTERHACHING, GERMANY - AUGUST 07: Benjamin Pavard of FC Bayern München talks to team mate Nouassir Mazraoui during the pre-season friendly match between FC Bayern München and AS Monaco at Sportpark Unterhaching on August 07, 2023 in Unterhaching, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal could potentially make a move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard ahead of Manchester United, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Pavard is ready to leave the German champions this summer, amidst interest from a few European clubs – including Manchester United. Despite having an initial approach rejected by Bayern, United were making positive steps in landing Pavard – even as far as agreeing personal terms with the World Cup winner.

However, the spanner in the works was thrown when Harry Maguire delayed discussions with West Ham United, after the Red Devils accepted a £30million bid for the defender. Maguire was said to have demanded around £7m as a settlement from United if he left. This inadvertently cooled United’s interest in Pavard, who was being brought in as Maguire’s replacement.

This has paved the way for Arsenal to possibly swoop in for Pavard after Jurrien Timber’s unfortunate ACL injury, which he sustained in The Gunner’s season opener against Nottingham Forest. The Dutch international – once managed by Erik Ten Hag at Ajax – will be out of action for around seven months.

Pavard would be an asset to both Premier League sides, as he can operate both at centre-back and at right-back. This news means that United will need to make a decision on whether to pursue Pavard, as Inter Milan are also interested in the player. The Red Devils have been better at negotiating for signings this summer, but face a race for competition when it comes to signing Benjamin Pavard and Sofyan Amrabat – especially if they were heading towards rivals such as Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.