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The long rumored deal for VfB Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard to join Bayern Munich may not be such a sure thing after all.
With no movement on the Pavard front for Die Roten of late, Italian journalist Gianluca DiMarzio is reporting that both FC Barcelona and Napoli are making overtures toward the French World Cup winner.
The Blaugrana has already met the (Pavard)’s agents and lawyer to try to find an agreement for June. On Pavard, besides Napoli, there is also the interest of Bayern Munich.
DiMarzio, who also works for Sky Sports aside of operating his own site, reported back on December 20th that Napoli would be looking to acquire Pavard and/or Borussia Dortmund’s Jeremy Toljan.
(Napoli) is following two particular players: Jeremy Toljan and Benjamin Pavard. Two potential reinforcements for Ancelotti’s defense, as the club is looking for young talents to grow with (Napoli).
Pavard’s reported €35m release clause makes him an attractive prospect for such big clubs as Bayern, Barca, and Napoli. It remains to be seen, however, whether Pavard would be willing to make the move to Spain or Italy to continue his career.
Regardless, the transfer market is not for the weak of heart. As each juggernaut looks to out-do the other, the bidding could escalate.
UPDATE [12:30PM EST]: Sky Sources contradict each other
As noted above, Gianluca DiMarzio is a Sky Sports report, but one of his colleagues from Sky is disputing DiMarzio’s report of a meeting between Pavard’s representatives and Barcelona officials. Max Bielefeld of Sky dismissed reported of any meeting.
Viel Wirbel gerade um ein mögliches Treffen von Pavards Berater und dem FC Barcelona. Nach Sky Infos gab es das allerdings nicht. Spieler möchte weiter zum FC Bayern wechseln, wie von uns berichtet am liebsten schon im Winter #ssnhd #skytransfer
— Max Bielefeld (@Sky_MaxB) January 3, 2019
Lots of confusion about a potential meeting between Pavard’s agent and FC Barcelona. According to Sky’s info, however, it did not take place. The player still would like to transfer to FC Bayern, ideally in winter, as previously reported by us #ssnhd #skytransfer
It should be noted that DiMarzio was among the first journalists to report that Arturo Vidal’s move from Bayern to Barca was a “done deal” (after Vidal’s own son of course).