Arsenal are searching for another centre back this summer according to The Athletic, with a focus on signing a right-sided option.
William Saliba will return from his loan at Nice, but there’s another loaned-out player that could fit the bill.
Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos has excelled on loan at Stuttgart this season, being branded a ‘gladiator’ by boss Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Mavropanos, 23, has never been picked by Mikel Arteta in his time at Arsenal, as he has been sent on loan twice under the Spaniard – once to Nurnberg and now to Stuttgart.
It remains to be seen whether Mavropanos gets a chance under Arteta this summer, but the interest in his signature is now mounting.
Stuttgart of course want to keep Mavropanos, with sporting director Sven Mislintat a big fan having also signed him for Arsenal.
Now though, Kicker claim that Italian side Lazio have joined the race to sign Mavropanos as they look to bolster their defensive options.
Stuttgart are keen on another loan deal, but Lazio may be able to offer a permanent move, which should appeal to Arsenal given the cash boost that would entail.
It would be a shame to see Arsenal ditch Mavropanos without him ever playing for Arteta, especially after playing so well this season.
Ultimately though, Arteta and Edu will have targets in mind, and selling fringe players to raise funds will be necessary – and Mavropanos could go with multiple clubs wanting him.
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