Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos took on superstar striker Erling Haaland on international duty yesterday.
Mavropanos’ Greece beat Haaland’s Norway 2-1 away from home in a friendly.
Neither side will be at Euro 2020, but it represents a decent feather in the cap for the Gunners defender.
Haaland is valued at 180 million euros (£154m) as per ESPN with plenty of sides across Europe looking for a new striker this summer.
It appears more likely he’ll leave Borussia Dortmund next summer, when his release clause kicks in.
Jadon Sancho looks the more likely to depart in the coming window.
But what of Mavropanos’ future at Arsenal? He spent the season out on loan at Stuttgart and impressed.
The Gunners need to bolster their central defensive ranks but without European football, the budget needs to be managed carefully.
Mavropanos set to leave?
It was reported in May that Mavropanos could be set for another loan or permanent departure in the summer.
Perhaps Mikel Arteta wants to raise funds for a squad overhaul – but could the Greek international be worth a look in pre-season?
He’s still just 23, with plenty of time to improve and physically dominant.
Keeping Haaland quiet won’t do his confidence any harm but it remains to be seen how his future plays out.
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