Inter Milan’s Pursuit of Pavard: €30 Million Bid Still Falls Short, Two Exits on the Horizon

As the summer transfer window enters its final stretch, Inter Milan is making significant moves to strengthen their squad. The Nerazzurri are actively pursuing Bayern Munich’s versatile defender Benjamin Pavard, while also finalizing the departures of Valentino Lazaro and Fabian. However, negotiations for Pavard remain a complex affair, with Inter’s bid still falling short of Bayern’s valuation.

Lazaro Nearing Torino Move

Valentino Lazaro is on the verge of completing a move to Torino. According to Sky Italia, Inter has accepted a €4 million offer from Torino, which also includes a future resale percentage. The deal now hinges on Lazaro reaching a personal agreement with the Turin-based club. Given Lazaro's inconsistent spell at Inter, a permanent move to Torino offers him a fresh start in Serie A, while providing Inter with much-needed funds to pursue other targets.

Fabian’s Loan or Sale Options

Fabian, another player on the verge of departure, was initially set to be part of a swap deal involving Lazar Samardžić from Udinese. Inter had valued Fabian at €5 million with a buy-back clause of €12 million valid for two years. Although the Samardžić deal fell through, Inter remains committed to sending Fabian on loan to gain experience.

The 20-year-old midfielder currently has two options: Frosinone, which is interested in a loan deal, and Bologna, which is willing to negotiate a permanent transfer under similar terms to the original deal with Udinese. Inter is now working closely with Fabian to determine the best destination for his development.

Pavard Saga: Inter’s €30 Million Offer Not Enough

While Lazaro and Fabian’s exits seem imminent, the headline story remains Inter’s pursuit of Benjamin Pavard. The French international, whose contract with Bayern Munich expires next summer, has made it clear that he intends to leave the club. According to reports from Sky Germany and L’Équipe, Pavard has communicated his desire to depart directly to Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Inter has submitted a €25 million bid for Pavard, including bonuses and performance-related clauses. However, this offer falls short of Bayern’s valuation. The exact difference in valuation varies depending on the source:

• Renowned Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims Bayern is holding out for an additional €5 million.
• Alfredo Pedullà suggests the gap is closer to €10 million.
• Meanwhile, German outlets, including Kicker, report that Bayern is demanding €45 million, leaving a significant €15 million discrepancy between the clubs.

Despite the gap, negotiations are ongoing. Bayern has not ruled out a transfer, but they insist that Inter must increase their offer to meet their demands.

Bayern’s Reluctance and Pavard’s Declining Form

Bayern Munich’s reluctance to lower their asking price stems from their confidence in managing Pavard’s contractual situation. While they are aware of the risks associated with losing him on a free transfer next summer, they are prepared to take that gamble rather than accept a cut-price deal.

However, Pavard’s situation has become increasingly tense. During the German Super Cup, the 27-year-old’s lackluster performance drew criticism from fans and media alike. Many German pundits and former players have advised Bayern to avoid forcing an unhappy player to stay, warning that it could impact the team’s overall performance.

Inter’s Negotiation Strategy

Inter is banking on two key factors to facilitate the transfer:

1. Strong Relationship with Bayern: The two clubs have a history of successful negotiations, and Inter hopes to leverage this relationship to reach a compromise.
2. Italy’s Tax Benefits: Serie A clubs benefit from favorable tax policies for foreign players, making Inter’s offer more financially attractive to Pavard compared to other potential suitors.

Nevertheless, Inter’s transfer strategy has drawn criticism from fans and pundits. Throughout the summer, the club has repeatedly pursued high-profile targets such as Folarin Balogun and Mehdi Taremi, only to see deals collapse due to lowball offers. This pattern of “big noise, small results” has frustrated supporters, who fear that Inter may once again miss out on a crucial signing.

Backup Plans Essential as Deadline Looms

With the transfer window closing soon, Inter must prepare contingency plans in case the Pavard deal falls through. Relying solely on one target without viable alternatives could leave the team scrambling to fill defensive gaps at the last minute. Panic buys or rushed decisions could have long-term negative consequences for the squad.

Inter’s management faces a delicate balancing act: continuing to negotiate with Bayern while simultaneously scouting and securing backup options. A proactive approach could help avoid the pitfalls of being left without reinforcements.

Fans’ Verdict: A Decisive Signing Needed

Despite the disappointment surrounding previous transfer sagas, Inter fans are willing to overlook past missteps if the club can secure a quality defender before the window closes. Social media discussions reflect cautious optimism, with many supporters expressing a willingness to forgive the club’s earlier mismanagement if they can land Pavard—or at least a competent alternative.

The next few days will be critical for Inter’s transfer team. Securing a defensive reinforcement is not just a luxury but a necessity for the club’s ambitions in Serie A and the Champions League. Whether Pavard ultimately dons the Nerazzurri shirt or Inter pivots to another target, the club’s ability to navigate this crucial period will define their summer transfer window and potentially their season ahead.