According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City and Benjamin Pavard, a defender for Bayern Munich, are in advanced talks about a potential transfer to the Etihad.
What are the most recent Man City moving news?
After winning the historic treble in 2022–23, Pep Guardiola and Man City have already been busy this summer. Mateo Kovacic, a midfielder from Chelsea, was the first to join in a deal worth an initial £25 million. Ilkay Gundogan, the team’s captain, left on a free transfer to Barcelona, so Kovacic appears poised to step in and fill the void.
However, it appears that City is still interested in making more acquisitions, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol a top target in Manchester. However, recent negotiations have stalled because RB Leipzig is demanding about €100m plus bonuses.
There may be additional departures in the works as well. According to recent reports, Kyle Walker reportedly signed a contract with Bayern Munich despite receiving an extension from the Etihad.
As a result, City may soon begin looking for a new right-back of their own, and it appears that Pavard of Bayern Munich will be their target.
On Friday, Romano shared a development regarding Man City and Pavard on Twitter. According to him, City’s top choice for a new right-back is a Frenchman, and negotiations with the player are already far along.
“Benjamin Pavard is currently Manchester City’s top choice for new right back.
“Pavard is Man City’s priority in the event that Kyle Walker joins Bayern; the player side of the deal is advanced but not yet finalised. Walker and Pavard will be discussed between Bayern and City.
The calibre of Benjamin Pavard?
Since joining Bayern in 2019, Pavard, who can play as a right or centre back, has made 162 appearances and assisted 24 goals.
The 27-year-old has won both the Champions League and the World Cup, and according to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs for passes attempted and progressive passes over the past 12 months, as well as in the top 3% and 4% for aerial duels won and interceptions, demonstrating how he could be a wise acquisition for City.
Although he stated that he feels his best position is at right-back, Pavard also exudes confidence and feels that he is the world’s best right-back defensively, more “complete” than Trent Alexander-Arnold and Achraf Hakimi.
“I play the central defence position. This has always been my favourite place to be and where I feel most at ease. The best place for me to be right now is here. In this role, I believe my strengths are more apparent.
“If the great coaches chose to position me on the right side, it means they have faith in my skills. I’ve always been a holder for Deschamps. It’s not because of my gorgeous eyes or my hair that he trusts me. He’s aware of my strengths. After that, I need to improve in a few key areas: I need to take more risks and initiative. I know this and I work on it every day.
“A good defence comes first for a defender. Although Hakimi, Arnold, may appear more attractive than Pavard on paper, I believe I am more complete defensively.
If Walker successfully completes a move to Munich, it appears that a move to City will be one to watch.
