Despite the reports in Germany that Bayern Munich have taken Benjamin Pavard off the market, Beppe Marotta assures ‘negotiations are still very much open’ and the player ‘wants to join Inter.’
The opening game of the season kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) against Monza at San Siro.
General manager Marotta spoke to Sky Sport Italia and was asked about the strong reports in Germany that Bayern Munich have slammed the door shut on Pavard, refusing to sell the defender.
“In a negotiation, what the player wants is always important,” said Marotta.
“In this case, the player expressed his desire to come and join us, and a very strong desire too. Clearly, Bayern Munich are a very rich club, but they still don’t like to lose players of great quality and experience.
“Everyone knows Pavard, he has won a lot in his career. In order to give the player to us, they must find a replacement, so it becomes a technical and economic jigsaw puzzle to fill that gap.
“The negotiations are still very much open, absolutely.”
It is reported that Inter have offered €25m including bonuses, whereas Bayern Munich want at least €30m guaranteed to part with the France international.
The Germans cannot be too strong in their attempts to hang on to Pavard, because his current contract will expire at the end of the season, so he could try to join Inter as a free agent next summer, or even for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window.