Konstantinos Mavropanos has agreed a potential £17 million move to West Ham United and a return to the Premier League could be completed by the weekend for the one-time Arsenal defender.
One year after bringing an end to his time at Arsenal, the Greece international returns to the English capital a far more mature, more well-rounded player. At least, compared to the player who joined the Gunners as a little-known teenager during the final days of the Arsene Wenger era.
Konstantinos Mavropanos, seemingly West Ham United’s top defensive target after a £30 million deal for Harry Maguire fell through, is a major reason why Stuttgart are still a Bundesliga side; Die Schwabian’s dodging relegation by the skin of their teeth in successive campaigns.
Mavropanos initially joined Stuttgart on loan in 2020. Like Maguire, the 6ft 4ins colossus is excellent in the air and confident with the ball at his feet, capable of bringing the ball out from the back and starting attacks with those marauding runs into midfield.
West Ham close in on former Arsenal man
According to BILD, Mavropanos has already agreed terms with the Hammers.
David Moyes’ side are yet to meet Stuttgart’s £17 million asking price. But the former PAS Giannina youngster is, to quote BILD, ‘about to say goodbye’; a deal potentially set to be completed before Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Interestingly, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli were all interested. BILD adds that neither Juve nor Inter could afford Stuttgart’s 20 million euro asking price, however.
Not so long ago, German legend Lothar Matthaus mentioned Mavropanos as a potential addition to the Bayern Munich squad.
“There are some very interesting players in the Bundesliga,” Matthaus told Sky.
“I think Stuttgart’s Mavropanos, Leipzig’s (Josko) Gvardiol or Bochum’s Armel Bella-Kotchap (now of Southampton) would be good options for Bayern.”
West Ham are also keen on another Bundesliga giant; Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.
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