While Xavi has identified almost all the other main components of his Barcelona First XI, the Right Back position remains a challenge to fill for the club. This is a position that the club has not been able to properly fill ever since Dani Alves’ departure from the club, and FC Barcelona are still in the market for a strong player whom they can rely on for this position.
As already reported, Arnau Martinez of Girona is one of the players currently being scouted by the club, while another target has emerged in the form of French defender Benjamin Pavard.
Benjamin Pavard currently plies his trade with the German powerhouse Bayern Munich and rose to prominence during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He won that tournament as an important part of the French national team, and moved to Munich in the ensuing transfer window from Stuttgart, for a fee of €35 million.
Currently, the player and his club are in negotiations for his contract extension, which expires in the summer of 2024. SPORT reports that Pavard has already rejected Bayern’s latest offer, and his exit from the club at the end of this season looks extremely likely.
Reports of Pavard himself preferring a move to FC Barcelona have also gained momentum in recent days. According to Toni Juanmarti, who has referenced Fabrizio Romano for his information, Pavard’s camp has already conveyed to Camp Nou executives his desire to come to FC Barcelona. However, nothing concrete has taken place yet, as the club is still skimming its options, and is not sure about the wage space that it can afford to bring in a new player.