As the summer transfer window continues to create waves in the football community, Arsenal have found themselves at the centre of discussions regarding Benjamin Pavard.

  • Arsenal emerge as a potential destination for Benjamin Pavard, challenging Manchester United’s initial position.
  • Jurrien Timber’s injury, coupled with Pavard’s expiring contract at Bayern Munich, adds complexity to the saga.
  • With other clubs, notably Inter Milan, also expressing interest, Arsenal face competition in the final weeks of the window.
France's defender Benjamin Pavard (L) and France's forward Olivier Giroud during a training session ahead of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament qualifying matches, in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on June 10, 2023. France will play against Gibraltar on June 16, 2023 and against Greece on June 19, 2023 in their UEFA Euro 2024 Group B Qualification matches. (Photo by Bertrand GUAY / AFP) (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images)
France’s defender Benjamin Pavard (L) and France’s forward Olivier Giroud during a training session. (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images)

With Manchester United previously being the expected destination for the French defender, recent developments suggest that the Gunners might be stepping into the race.

While Manchester United had been initially anticipated to secure Pavard’s signature, a major bookmakers have now revised the odds, hinting at Arsenal’s growing interest.

The North London side, following this update, stands at 4/1, positioning them as the second favourites to secure the 27-year-old’s services.

Despite these changes, the Red Devils still hold their ground as the 4/5 frontrunners.

What might have stirred this sudden twist in the tale is Harry Maguire and his decision to stay at United.

Arsenal’s interest,  however, isn’t entirely out of the blue.

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Footballers, Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard, watch on during the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Casper Ruud of Norway on Day Fifteen of the 2023 French Open at Roland Garros on June 11, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 11: Footballers, Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard, watch on during the Men’s Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Casper Ruud of Norway on Day Fifteen of the 2023 French Open at Roland Garros on June 11, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The Gunners are on the lookout for reinforcements, especially given the recent injury to Jurrien Timber, which saw him damage his anterior cruciate ligament.

This injury could sideline him for the entire season.

Notably, Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Mikel Arteta might be considering Pavard as a possible replacement to fill the void left by Timber.

Adding another layer of complexity is Pavard’s contractual situation at Bayern Munich.

The defender is nearing the end of his current contract, with just 12 months remaining.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 20: Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich controls the ball  during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on May 20, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 20: Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on May 20, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

While Arsenal’s interest is palpable, they are not the only club vying for Pavard.

Reports indicate that Inter Milan have also placed him high on their summer wishlist, presenting another potential obstacle for the Gunners in their pursuit.

With several weeks remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen where Benjamin Pavard’s future lies.