Inter Milan have finally received the go-ahead from Bayern Munich to finalise their long-anticipated move for Benjamin Pavard.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the France international defender could travel to Italy as early as today for medicals before signing on the dotted line.
Bayern have been reluctant to sanction Pavard’s departure despite agreeing a deal with Inter that will see them pocket €30 million plus €2m in add-ons.
The German champions were keen on signing a replacement before giving the green light for Pavard’s exit to avoid being left with a gaping hole at the heart of the defence.
However, with less than a week until the transfer window closes and just one year left on Pavard’s contract, they have decided not to risk being stuck with the Frenchman until next year when he can leave for free.
Die Rekordmeister still intend to sign a replacement before Friday’s transfer deadline and have several eye-catching names on their extensive shortlist.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is among those touted for a move to Germany this summer, with the player reportedly keen to renew acquaintances with Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.
The problem for Bayern is that Chelsea would prefer to sell their homegrown star outright rather than sanction the loan deal the Germans have in mind.
If a loan deal is viewed as the optimal solution for both parties, Chelsea will insist on a purchase obligation valuing Chalobah at £50 million.
Bayern have no plans of meeting those lofty demands, especially for a player who could be playing back-up to Matthijs de Ligt, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
Chelsea need to raise more funds from player sales following their eye-watering outlay over the last three windows and are open to doing business for Chalobah.
Talks are ongoing between both clubs, but if a deal proves to be complicated, Bayern are keeping tabs on Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap as an alternative.
