Pavard to Chelsea: The state of play

Cameron Smith

• 22 Nov 2022 14:39 GMT
• 2 min read

Chelsea were among the teams who heavily pursued Bayern Munich's France international Benjamin Pavard over the summer, but a move never actually materialised.

The Blues were keen to add defensive talent following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, but ended up signing Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana instead of Pavard.

However, the Frenchman is reportedly open to a move away from the Allianz Arena. Pavard has made his desire to play at centre-back clear but has regularly been used as a full-back during his time at Bayern and for the French national team.

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He has previously told French outlet RMC: "I can help out on the right flank, but my position is central defender. I want to play central defender because that's my position since the U19s. I feel very comfortable and fulfilled in this position."

Furthermore, Pavard will become a free agent in 2023 upon the expiration of his contract at the Bavarian giants, meaning he remains in the news for a potential transfer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Pavard remains an option for Europe's big teams. He told Caught Offside: "Pavard was discussed with Chelsea last summer but was not a top priority; now it’s normal that clubs are keeping info on him as Pavard is open to leave Bayern in 2023.

"He’d love Premier League move I’m told; but there is still nothing serious."

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Pavard to Chelsea?

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are among the teams who have also previously shown interest in signing, but Chelsea have led the race previously. However, the signings of Fofana, Koulibaly and Cucurella may dissuade the Blues from pursuing a move for Pavard yet again next summer.

But, with Pavard expressing his desire to play in the middle of defence, that may swing things towards Graham Potter's side, who may be in need of defensive reinforcements considering Thiago Silva's age.