Chelsea, Barcelona 'remain as options for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard'

Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly remained as options for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard ahead of the summer transfer window.

Pavard has enjoyed a hugely successful stint with the Bundesliga giants, making 150 appearances and winning 10 pieces of silverware since his arrival in 2019.

However, the future of the 26-year-old has been a frequent topic of conversation, the player having given differing opinions on the next phase of his career at certain points this campaign.

Earlier in 2022-23, the France international indicated that he was open to a new challenge having played in Germany since 2016, but more recently, he hinted that he was happy and settled at the Allianz Arena.

According to Sky Deutschland, the situation will come to a head later in 2023 when it becomes clearer if Pavard is willing to sign a new contract.

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As it stands, his current deal is due to expire in 2024, and transfer expert Florian Plettenburg has suggested that discussions are not ongoing with regards to a renewal.

Furthermore, it is added that Pavard departing on a free transfer in 2024 is not a possibility, Bayern wanting to cash in if the player does not see his long-term future at the club.

Chelsea and Barcelona are allegedly each monitoring the situation with a versatile defender such as Pavard only boosting their options.

As far as Chelsea are concerned, they have already signed Lyon's Malo Gusto to challenge for a full-back and wing-back spot next season, but a switch to a back three has recently proven successful.

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That has recently suited Pavard at Bayern, the player featuring on the right-hand side of a defensive trio, although the Premier League giants are already well stocked for options on that front.

The same can be said of Barcelona at a time when they have also been informed that they must raise £177m before they can make new additions during the next transfer window.

Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo already possess the same capabilities as Pavard, something which may come into consideration if they reach a position where they can add fresh faces to their squad.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Pavard in the past and may require central-defensive reinforcements ahead of 2023-24.