West Ham United are set to sign Konstantinos Mavropanos with Stuttgart’s sporting director confirming that talks over a £17 million return to the Premier League are ‘well advanced’.
Following Nayef Aguerd’s red card during Sunday’s otherwise-exceptional 3-1 win over London rivals Chelsea, a new centre-half cannot come quickly enough, as far as David Moyes is concerned.
And the West Ham boss should see his wish come true before Saturday’s daunting trip to Brighton and Hove Albion. The UEFA Conference League champions have already agreed personal terms with Konstantinos Mavropanos. Sky Germany believe that the one-time Arsenal defender – one of Arsene Wenger’s final signings at the Emirates – will return to the English capital to the tune of around £17 million.
Tellingly, Mavropanos was nowhere to be seen as Stuttgart kicked off the new Bundesliga campaign with a 5-0 thrashing of VFL Bochum over the weekend.
And, after that most one-sided of wins, director Fabian Wohlgemuth admitted that the Greek international’s departure is only a matter of time.
West Ham set to sign former Arsenal man Konstantinos Mavropanos
“We are in talks with Dinos and West Ham,” Wohlgemuth tells BILD. “(The negotiations) are well advanced.”
The Stuttgart chief also revealed the identity of Mavropanos’ replacement. Once-capped Swiss defender Leonidas Stergiou is on his way to the Mercedes Benz Arena from St Gallen in his homeland.
“It’s a personal issue that we’re dealing with,” Wohlgemuth adds. “(Stergiou) is a very fast player and can be used flexibly.”
Mavropanos made only a handful of appearances in Arsenal colours before joining Stuttgart on a permanent basis in 2022. He returns to England, however, a far more mature, confident and consistent performer. A powerful presence at 6ft 5ins and a threat in both boxes, Mavropanos excels when carrying the ball out from back with one of those trademark marauding runs into midfield.
His arrival, meanwhile, draws a line in thick marker pen through West Ham’s pursuit of Harry Maguire. Manchester United appear stuck with the much-maligned defender after a £30 million move to the Hammers fell through.
Alongside Mavropanos, West Ham are also hoping to bring in Mohammed Kudus from Ajax. Stuttgart, meanwhile, lost captain Wataru Endo to Liverpool last week.
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