Konstantinos Mavropanos has been speaking to Goal Germany about a range of topics, and his move to Arsenal in 2018 was among them.
What’s the story?
Well, the 24-year-old arrived at Arsenal from PAS Giannina in a deal worth £1.8m, becoming one of Arsene Wenger’s final signings in the process.
Speaking to Goal Germany, Mavropanos admitted he was nervous about his move to north London, as it all happened so quickly.
The 7-cap Greece international, who is currently starring on loan at VfB Stuttgart, said: “Oh man, that was a crazy day. I still remember exactly. Before that, I had a very good six months in Greece for my club PAS Giannina and on New Year’s Eve I got the call that Arsenal wanted to sign me.
“I was so nervous these days. Suddenly a big club like Arsenal wants you, I was a bit lost.”
In truth, it must’ve been very daunting for a 20-year-old to make the leap from the Greek Super League into the Premier League.
Mavropanos has only made eight first-team appearances for Arsenal, as Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta never really took much notice of him.
Now, he could be leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal likely to lose Konstantinos Mavropanos
It’s not 100% going to happen, but it looks very likely that Arsenal will lose the Greek colossus in the summer.
Why? Well, when Edu negotiated the centre-back’s season-long loan move to VfB Stuttgart, he allowed the Bundesliga side to have an obligation to buy for just £3m if they avoid relegation (The Athletic).
VfB Stuttgart are currently 15th, seven points above automatic promotion and one above the relegation play-off position.
However, even if VfB Stuttgart are relegated, they are still allowed the option to buy Mavropanos for just £5m.
To put it simply, if VfB Stuttgart have £5m to spend this summer, they can make Mavropanos theirs, with or without Bundesliga survival.
In our view, that was terrible work from Edu.
Mavropanos has scored four goals and provided one assist in 13 Bundesliga appearances this term, and is starting to fulfil his potential.
Unfortunately, Arsenal could be forced to watch him blossom away from north London in Germany, just like Serge Gnabry did.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
