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Bayern Munich reportedly set up deal to sign Benjamin Pavard next summer

By Kiran Thakare

KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Benjamin Pavard of France celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Benjamin Pavard of France celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) /
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Bayern Munich will wait one more season before signing French defender Benjamin Stuttgart from VfB Stuttgart.

The German champions have started preparing for next season as the players who didn’t feature at the World Cup have returned to Sabener Strasse for pre-season training. Niko Kovac has started his tenure at Bayern Munich after being unveiled as the new manager on Monday. The Croatian is not ruling out any further incomings after the arrival of Leon Goretzka from Schalke on a free transfer, but has indicated that he is pleased with the squad.

According to a report in Sport Bild, Bayern Munich are heavily monitoring VfB Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard. The Bavarians have been previously linked with a move for the French defender, who had a breakout ’17-18 season with the Bundesliga side.

Stuttgart remain adamant that they are not going to sell Pavard this summer. This report suggests that Bayern are ready to wait for one more season, as the €35 million release clause in Pavard’s contract becomes active next summer. Sport Bild also insist that Bayern Munich are yet to receive offers for Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal and Jerome Boateng.

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These claims from SportBild are also backed by Kicker, who are also reporting on Bayern’s genuine interest in Pavard. Kicker even suggests that the two clubs have already struck a deal over a future transfer for the player. Sky Sports in Germany are also reporting that Bayern Munich are interested in signing Pavard. This outlet suggests that apart from Bayern, the likes of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the Frenchman.

Pavard is currently gearing up with the French national team to face Uruguay in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. He has been in fine form in this World Cup, playing in the right-back position for the Les Bleus. Pavard scored a brilliant equalizer against Argentina in the round of 16 game, helping his team secure a 4-3 victory over 2014’s runners-up.

At Stuttgart, Pavard has been a consistent performer in the heart of the defense. He featured in all 34 Bundesliga games last season. The Frenchman is a perfect modern-day defender, as he is good on the ball along with being strong in different defensive aspects. Moreover, his quality on the ball allows him to play in the defensive midfield position.

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Bayern Munich are thinking long term with this signing, as Pavard stands as the likely long-term replacement for Jerome Boateng. If the German defender leaves this summer then Bayern might try to sign Pavard immediately. However, talks for this transfer are unlikely to solidify before Pavard returns from World Cup.

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