French international defender Benjamin Pavard could be on the cusp of a move away from Bavaria as German juggernaut Bayern Munich has begun to survey the transfer landscape for a possible long-term signing at right-back.
Pavard’s Bundesliga future remains uncertain after sporting director Hasan Salihamidžic stated “We have big goals and will try to solve this issue early on — no matter in which direction. We have to see what’s best for both sides. “We would be doing things wrong if we didn’t keep a close eye on the market. As always, we’re keeping our eyes wide open.”
With Pavard’s desire surrounding the chance to be deployed at center-back – a chance he will not be given at Bayern – the likes of and others have been alerted to his possible availability on the market, and as such, Bayern has begun to keep tabs on Olympique Lyonnais academy product Malo Gusto as a potential replacement according to TZ’s Philipp Kessler and Manuel Bonke.
Bayern are interested in Olympique Lyon’s Malo Gusto (19) as a future right-back with the possible departure of Benjamin Pavard [@kessler_philipp, @mano_bonke] pic.twitter.com/rNIRinHM4O
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 21, 2022
Gusto (19) is just one in a long line of youngsters that have emerged from Lyon’s vaunted academy setup in the Rhône valley, with the French U21 international having featured on ten occasions in Ligue 1 this season.
A technically gifted attacking full-back, Gusto’s previous development further forward before transitioning to the right side of a back four has seen him impress at all levels, with pace and creativity from the wide channel very much at the forefront of his player profile.
Currently valued at €15m according to Transfermarkt, Gusto certainly would be more than affordable for Bayern and viewed as a long-term investment that could grow in the club’s ranks, following a trend in recent years for German outfits to prize top young talent out of the top flight of French football.
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