Earlier today, there was bad news for West Ham and Newcastle coming from the Bundesliga, as both David Moyes and Eddie Howe missed out on a target.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that the Hammers and the Magpies wanted to sign Kostas Mavropanos this summer, when his season-long loan spell at VfB Stuttgart ended.
The 24-year-old has been on loan with the German side from Arsenal, but now, they have announced his arrival on a permanent basis.
VfB Stuttgart have wrapped up a £4.5m deal, which, in our view, is fantastic business – in many ways, it’s a bargain.
Mavropanos has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, making 31 appearances while scoring four goals and also providing one assist.
The Greek international was even praised by World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthäus, who feels the Arsenal outcast is good enough to play for Bayern Munich.
That speaks volumes about the defender’s ability, and at the age of 24, there is surely still plenty more to come from VfB Stuttgart’s latest signing.
West Ham & Newcastle can do better
If Arsenal didn’t believe Mavropanos was good enough for the Premier League, then West Ham and Newcastle shouldn’t be too fussed about missing out.
There are many options out there this summer, so there’s no need to take a gamble on someone who might struggle in England.
For example, Newcastle are also interested in Eintracht Frankfurt gem Evan N’Dicka, who shone in the Europa League win over Rangers last night.
Having said that, £4.5m is a very low fee for a full international who is only 24 years of age, so VfB Stuttgart might’ve got themselves a bargain.
Only time will tell if his heroics this season were a flash in the pan, or if Arsenal have just let a very bright footballer depart for peanuts.
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