Arsenal outcast Konstantinos Mavropanos is now wanted by Napoli as a replacement for Manchester United target Kim Min-jae.
According to Il Matino in Italy, the Serie A champions are exploring potential defensive recruitments as Europe’s elite target their South Korea international, who has developed into one of the best centre-backs around.
If Konstantinos Mavropanos does seal a move to Napoli as a replacement for Kim Min-jae, it could be quite embarrassing for Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, Arsenal strangely chose to sell the Greece international to VfB Stuttgart for just £3m.
As explained by The Athletic, Arsenal loaned Mavropanos to the German side back in 2021 for two seasons, and agreed to let VfB Stuttgart sign him for £3m if they managed to avoid relegation in 2022.
That appears to have been an error of judgement from Edu, as the Greek defender is now shortlisted as a replacement for one of Europe’s best in Min-jae.
The rumour comes after CalcioNapoli24 claimed that Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Min-jae from Napoli in a £52m deal as Erik ten Hag attempts to strengthen his backline.
Arsenal could have sold Mavropanos for a lot more
In our view, Edu was too hasty in handing VfB Stuttgart a £3m purchase option.
The 25-year-old is currently a key player for the German side, making 30 appearances in all competitions, while he proved himself as a goalscoring defender with five strikes across the 2021/22 campaign.
Of course, things have been tough for VfB Stuttgart this season as they sit 17th in the Bundesliga, although that doesn’t detract from the fact that Mavropanos has performed like a player worth far more than £3m.
If Napoli – who have just become champions of Italy for the first time in 33 years – now make a move for the Greek star, questions will surely be asked of Edu.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
