Bayern Munich: Thilo Kehrer emerges as target to replace Benjamin Pavard
Bayern Munich will be scampering for a defender in the final eight days of the transfer window. The defending Bundesliga champions want a replacement for Benjamin Pavard. Bayern has reportedly reached an agreement over the transfer fee with Inter Milan for Pavard, but they need to find a replacement for the French international.
The Bavarian club has been linked with several defenders in the past couple of days. Thilo Kehrer is the latest defender linked with a move to Munich. According to Daily Mail, West Ham United defender Kehrer has emerged as an option for Bayern to replace Pavard.
Kehrer fits into the type of profile Die Roten will need to replace Pavard. The German international can operate as a right-back and center-back. Moreover, Kehrer is also familiar with Tuchel’s philosophy since the duo worked together at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 26-year-old German defender has been a mainstay in West Ham’s team since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. Kehrer helped West Ham to lift the Europa Conference League at the end of last season. It remains to be seen if West Ham will sell Kehrer this late in the transfer window.
Apart from Thilo Kehrer, Bayern have also been linked with Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap. The 21-year-old German defender is looking to play at the top level after the Saints were relegated to the Championship last season. The next few days will give a clear picture of Die Roten’s plan to replace Pavard.
The French international was an unused substitute for Bayern against Werder Bremen on Friday. Pavard is eager to join Inter Milan, so he may have played his last game for Die Roten. The 27-year-old defender missed training on Wednesday due to illness. He will hope to seal a move to Inter Milan by the end of this week.
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Bayern has also agreed a deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Daniel Peretz. The 23-year-old goalkeeper is expected to undergo medical in Munich to complete the transfer later this week. He will provide competition to Sven Ulreich, who is currently deputising Manuel Neuer in the starting XI.
Thomas Tuchel wants to add a number six to the midfield department this summer, but he will have to wait for this profile until next summer. Bayern chiefs are in no rush to sign a holding/defensive midfielder this summer. This stance may change if Ryan Gravenberch ends up leaving the club in the next few days.