Inter’s Final Push for Pavard Nears Completion as Striker Reshuffle Faces Obstacles

After their 2-0 victory over Monza in Serie A’s opening round, Simone Inzaghi rewarded his players with a two-day break before resuming preparations for their clash against Cagliari. However, Inter Milan’s transfer team remained busier than ever, with significant developments on two key fronts: the pursuit of Benjamin Pavard and the potential exit of Joaquín Correa.

Pavard Transfer: Only One Hurdle Remains

The long-running saga of Benjamin Pavard’s transfer from Bayern Munich to Inter appears to be nearing its conclusion. Multiple reputable sources, including intermediaries, journalists like Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca Di Marzio, as well as outlets such as L’Équipe and Bild, have confirmed significant progress in negotiations.

According to intermediary Giovanni Branchini, “Pavard is very close to joining Inter. The only thing left is for Bayern to find a replacement—someone who can rotate with Noussair Mazraoui. I believe there are no obstacles between the two clubs anymore because everyone involved wants this deal to happen.”

This “everyone,” however, does not include Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel. While Tuchel has refused to grant Pavard playing time in his preferred position as a center-back—and even limited his opportunities as a starting full-back—he remains reluctant to approve the defender’s departure. Bayern’s insistence on securing a replacement before greenlighting the transfer underscores Tuchel’s influence on the situation.

Despite the managerial resistance, Pavard has taken matters into his own hands. Reports from Bild reveal the French defender’s growing frustration in Munich, coupled with actions signaling his determination to leave. Bayern has been unable to shut down negotiations with Inter because of Pavard’s strong push for an exit.

The financial terms of the deal remain somewhat unclear, with different outlets reporting varying figures. L’Équipe suggests a fee of €28 million plus €5 million in add-ons, while Di Marzio cites €27 million with €3 million in bonuses. Romano claims the total package exceeds €30 million when bonuses are included. Regardless of the specifics, Inter’s willingness to raise their offer has eliminated one of the major roadblocks.

The final question is how long it will take Bayern to identify and acquire a suitable replacement. Following the departure of Hasan Salihamidžić, Bayern’s transfer strategy is under scrutiny, and their ability to move swiftly in the market will ultimately determine the timeline for Pavard’s move.

Correa’s Departure: A Complex Negotiation

Simultaneously, Inter is working on a potential exit for Joaquín Correa, who has struggled to make a lasting impact since his arrival. Reports from multiple Italian outlets suggest Torino is interested in acquiring Correa on a loan deal with an option to buy. The proposed buyout clause is reportedly set between €20 million and €25 million.

When asked about Correa during a press conference, Torino manager Ivan Jurić responded cryptically, stating, “No comment,” while offering a wry smile.

The move could benefit all parties, as Correa would have a chance to rebuild his confidence in a less pressurized environment. Increased playing time and improved statistics at Torino could enhance his market value, making it easier for Inter to sell him next summer. However, the negotiation faces two significant challenges.

The first obstacle is Correa’s salary. The Argentine currently earns a pre-tax annual wage of €6.48 million, which Torino cannot afford to cover in full. For the deal to proceed, Inter would likely need to subsidize a portion of his wages. One potential solution is aligning Torino’s financial contribution with the cost of bringing back Alexis Sánchez, who is reportedly seeking a post-tax annual salary of €2.5–3 million. If Inter’s support for Correa’s wages offsets Sánchez’s demands, the club could avoid additional financial strain.

The second and more daunting hurdle is convincing Correa to accept a move that might be perceived as a step down in his career. Having started for Inter in Serie A’s first round, persuading him to embrace a fresh start at Torino will require careful negotiation and reassurance about his role and prospects.

Serie A Landscape: Juventus Leading the Pack

While Inter is actively strengthening their squad, Juventus has emerged as the early favorites for the Scudetto. Their 3-0 victory over Udinese in the opening round showcased not just their financial and tactical advantages but also an intangible aura that many commentators believe sets them apart.

In contrast, teams like Napoli, Inter, and AC Milan are seen as part of the second tier of contenders. Despite these perceptions, Inter’s management and coaching staff have publicly reaffirmed their ambition to compete for the title. A strong finish in the transfer market could provide the final boost needed to turn that dream into a reality.

Looking Ahead

As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, all eyes are on Inter’s final moves. Pavard’s arrival would add versatility and quality to the defense, while resolving Correa’s future could free up resources for further reinforcements. With Serie A heating up and the Nerazzurri aiming to reclaim domestic glory, these decisive days in the market could shape the trajectory of their season.