Inter could face a number of obstacles in their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard this summer.
This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews, who report that whilst 27-year-old French international Pavard is indeed on Inter’s radar, there are a number of factors that could mean that they will not sign him.
It is looking clear that Pavard will leave Bayern this summer.
The Bavarians will want to cash in on the former Stuttgart defender’s exit since he has turned down a contract extension. Pavard’s current deal runs out at the end of next June.
One of the clubs with the strongest interest in signing Pavard is Inter, reports state. He is also linked with the Nerazzurri’s city rivals AC Milan.
The Nerazzurri had tried to get a deal done for him already in January when it looked as though Milan Skriniar could be sold to Paris Saint-German. However, Skriniar stayed put and Pavard remained at Bayern.
Inter Milan Still Keen On Bayern Star Benjamin Pavard – But Will Face Obstacles
FCIN confirm that Pavard is still on Inter’s radar.
However, some things have changed compared to the January transfer window.
Firstly, Skriniar will be leaving for PSG on a free transfer rather than for a fee. Accordingly, the Nerazzurri’s plan to sell Skriniar and immediately reinvest the fee in Pavard is no longer a possibility.
Given that Bayern will still want to sell the Frenchman for a fee of €15-20 million, this won’t be easy for Inter.
Moreover, Pavard’s wages would be quite high. Inter will hardly sign the 27-year-old in a deal worth less than €5 million net per season. He would expect a contract for four or five years.
As such, the finances for the move wouldn’t be easy. And, as FCIN note, the Nerazzurri will have plenty of time to assess their options.
In January, Inter were faced with the prospect of losing Skriniar and needing to find a replacement within the space of a few days or a week.
Now, they know that the former Sampdoria defender is leaving. They’ve known that for months now.
However, the Nerazzurri will have the whole summer to strategize how to replace Skriniar.
This means that they can consider who their ideal profile would be to take the Slovakian’s place like for like. Inter still see Pavard as more of a fullback who can be converted to centre-back.
According to FCIN, Inter want to sign an out-and-out central defender to replace Skriniar.