Konstantinos Mavropanos has indicated that he would jump at the chance to sign for Stuttgart on a permanent basis with the defender expected to leave Premier League giants Arsenal next year, speaking to Goal.
If we mentioned a former Arsenal youngster shining in the Bundesliga, you’d be forgiven for assuming we were talking about Serge Gnabry.
But while Mavropanos has a long way to go if he wants to match Gnabry’s remarkable achievements at Bayern Munich, the Greek international centre-half is certainly moving in the right direction.
And while the 2007 Bundesliga champions are yet to trigger that purchase clause, it seems only a matter of time before they do.
The 24-year-old has been the shining light in an injury-hit Stuttgart side this term after all, scoring five goals in 15 games.
Not bad for a centre-back.
Will Mavropanos ever play for Arsenal again?
“I can assure all VfB fans that the feelings are mutual! I feel a special connection with them and that means a lot to me,” explains Mavropanos, one of Arsene Wenger’s final signings as Arsenal manager.
“The support they show me, but above all the whole team, is great. That gives you a real boost on the field.”
Reports from BILD today suggested that Stuttgart could sign Mavropanos before immediately selling him on for a substantial profit.
Premier League pair Newcastle United and West Ham are keen on the ball-playing defender, who Stuttgart value in the region of £25 million.
Mavropanos, however, appears to have his heart set on securing a long-term future at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
Did Arsenal make a £2.5m mistake?
“I don’t know what the future holds but I know that I feel incredibly comfortable at VfB,” he adds. “I’m really enjoying my time in Stuttgart, the environment is fantastic.
“Of course I can imagine staying here for a long time.”
Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Bernd Leno and long-serving midfielder Mohamed Elneny could also depart.
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