Arsenal have some real decisions to make at centre back this summer.
David Luiz is out of contract at the end of the season, whilst William Saliba will be returning from his loan spell at Nice.
It’s unclear whether either of them will be in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans for next term, and the same goes for fellow defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The Greek centre back is on loan at Stuttgart this season, and he will soon be returning to Arsenal with his future somewhat up in the air.
Mavropanos, 23, has been shining on loan at Stuttgart of late, and Arteta will face a decision on whether to bring him into the Arsenal side or move him on.
If Mavropanos is looking for any inspiration, then he only has to look at Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips for an example of what he could do next season.
Phillips spent last term on loan at Stuttgart, impressing in their promotion campaign before heading back to Liverpool; Mavropanos was ultimately signed as his replacement.
In an unexpected series of events, Phillips has become an important part of Liverpool’s squad this season, playing regular first-team action under Jurgen Klopp due to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all suffering injuries.
Phillips is the same age as Mavropanos at 23, and has used his Stuttgart experience as a springboard to become a valuable first-team player at Anfield.
That’s exactly what Mavropanos needs to do at Arsenal. He may not be a flashy name, but Phillips is showing how to carve out a Premier League career after a loan spell at Stuttgart.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
