Arsenal could enter the race to sign Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich, following Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury.
Pavard is keen to leave Bayern Munich in search of a new challenge and has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, but interest from the Red Devils is complicated due to Harry Maguire’s situation at Old Trafford.
United agreed a £30m deal to sell Maguire to West Ham, but the transfer has stalled and the Hammers are now understood to be considering alternatives.
United now run the risk of missing out on Pavard, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Arsenal are considering the France international.
Jurrien Timber is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury against Nottingham Forest last weekend and Pavard’s ability to cover in central defence and at right-back appeals to the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta said on Thursday that Arsenal are ‘open’ in the transfer market, despite a spend in excess of £200m already this summer.
“It’s never my decision, it’s one we make as a club with other people involved. There are always other elements to that,” Arteta told a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace on Monday.
“My focus is on getting the best out of the squad we have now. We are always open in the transfer market both ways.”
Inter Milan are also interested in Pavard as the Champions League finalists search for a replacement for Milan Skriniar and are expected to submit a proposal for the defender.
Pavard has entered the final season of his contract with the Bundesliga champions and is valued at around £35m.
