Derek Rae has praised Sven Mislintat for the manner in which he has constructed a deal involving Arsenal-owned, Konstantinos Mavropanos, as he told the Highbury Squad.
The Bundesliga expert and football commentator stated that it has been a ‘masterstroke’ from Stuttgart’s Sporting Director because the Arsenal loanee has been ‘very good’ for the club.
Of course, Arsenal had Mislintat in their boardroom for a small period of time before the German cut short his time at the north London club.
But he has still been involved in deals with Arsenal, including loaning Mavropanos and putting in a ‘buy option’ to sign the player for around £2.5 million if Stuttgart survive relegation.
That was touched upon by Rae, who also shared that Stuttgart fans have told him that they are ‘grateful’ to have Mavropanos at their club.
“He has been good with Stuttgart,” said Rae. “You have to say that has been a bit of a masterstroke by their Sporting Director, who you will remember very well, Sven Mislintat.
“He was, of course, at Arsenal, but didn’t stay there that long. But he has done a good job there at Stuttgart. Mislintat has had to work on a budget, buying players and then selling them on.
“Mavropanos, the reason I say masterstroke because they managed to get this deal whereby they will get him automatically on a buy option for €3m, if they stay up. Now, it is touch-and-go if Stuttgart will stay up, at the moment. But, even if they get relegated, they still have the option to buy him for €3m.
“Whether he’s good enough to be an Arsenal regular, I am not so sure. But he has, for the most part, been very good with Stuttgart. Playing on the right-hand side, a lot of the time of a back three. Commanding and when he seems to score goals, they seem to be spectacular. I talk to a lot of Stuttgart fans and they are very grateful to have him, I know that.”
Whilst Mavropanos is seemingly doing well in Germany, he’s still probably not good enough to break into Arsenal’s first team under Mikel Arteta.
Both Ben White and Gabriel have been outstanding this season, as the Gunners push for Champions League football.
Mavropanos could argue that he is probably ahead of Rob Holding, in terms of the quality he brings to the table.
But, there is another centre-back out on-loan in William Saliba, who is ahead of them both and looking to push both White and Gabriel next season when he returns from his spell at Marseille.
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