Arsenal are interested in Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, but there are varying reports about the current status of a deal for the 20-year-old.
On Wednesday morning, reports in the Greek media suggested Mavropanos was in London, finalising his move.
The Evening Standard’s James Olley then tweeted to confirm the rumours. Olley wrote that negotiations are still ongoing, but the fee should be around £2.2m. He also claimed the Gunners would loan the young defender to Werder Bremen for the immediate future.
Understand #afc interest in 20-year-old centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos originally reported in Greece is genuine. Negotiations ongoing but fee likely to be in region of £2.2m. Not an immediate first-team addition. Loan to Werder Bremen more likely. https://t.co/QYplPs5SCp
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) January 3, 2018
However, Chris Wheatley of Goal then denied the transfer had reached that stage. He wrote that PAS Giannina are happy to let the defender go for the right price, but haven’t received an offer. Olympiakos also want to sign the youngster, who has made 14 appearances in the Greek Super League this season.
Told that Arsenal hold interest in young defender Konstantinos Mavropanos but transfer is not as advanced as reports suggest.
His parent club PAS Giannina say the player will leave if there is an offer on the table but nothing to announce as it stands. Olympiakos also want him. pic.twitter.com/yRpnUgMpR9
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 3, 2018
But just as Wheatley seemed to be killing the story, Sky Sports then announced the Gunners are in advanced talks for the player:
BREAKING: Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from PAS Giannina, according to Sky sources. #SSN
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 3, 2018
I wouldn’t necessarily take the word of ‘Sky sources’ as gospel. From what I’ve seen, they’ll report any gossip floating around on Twitter nowadays. However, all parties are claiming that Arsenal have at least some interest in the defender.
The Gunners haven’t had the best start to the season defensively, and Per Mertesacker is retiring at the end of the season, so getting reinforcements in early would be a smart move.
We’ll have to wait and see how things progress to know if there’s anything more to the story.