Arsenal Target Mavropanos Return Amid Defensive Succession Planning
The Gunners evaluate a move for their former defender as Ben White's future remains uncertain.
Arsenal is weighing a move to re-acquire West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, according to Sky Sports, as the club begins to map out a long-term succession plan for its backline. The interest comes despite the Gunners currently possessing one of the most statistically dominant defensive units in European football, anchored by the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Sky Sports reports that the Greece international has emerged as a serious candidate for a return to North London, where he previously spent four years before departing for the Bundesliga. The move appears linked to growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Ben White. While White remains a fixture in the squad, his recent history of injuries and a contract set to expire in 2028 have led the club to assess alternatives.
Internal discussions at Arsenal have reportedly highlighted a preference for defensive versatility. This has placed Mavropanos in direct comparison with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, another high-profile target for the Premier League title contenders. While Konsa offers the ability to transition seamlessly between central defense and right-back, Mavropanos is viewed primarily as a specialist right-sided center-half.
The tactical profile of the Greek defender presents a specific challenge for Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team. Mavropanos has recorded only five career appearances as a right-back, a role Ben White has mastered during his tenure at the Emirates. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal faces significant competition from other domestic rivals for the 26-year-old, who has established himself as a physical presence in the air since joining the Hammers from Stuttgart for £19 million.
Financial considerations may dictate the feasibility of the deal. West Ham United is expected to leverage current market inflation to demand a premium for the defender, with figures between £30 million and £35 million discussed as a potential starting point. This valuation represents a significant markup for a player Arsenal sold for a fraction of that price in 2022.
The pursuit of Mavropanos coincides with a broader effort to inject fresh talent into the squad following a relatively quiet opening to the transfer window. To date, the only first-team arrival has been goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who joined on a free transfer from Leeds United. Beyond the defense, Arsenal is poised to escalate its pursuit of midfield reinforcements, with Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes identified as the priority target for a third and final formal offer.
