According to the London Evening Standard, Arsenal are nearing a deal for Greece Under-21 international Konstantinos Mavropanos.
What’s the story?
It is expected to be a relatively busy month for Arsenal as head coach Arsene Wenger looks to put together a squad capable of finishing in the top four in the Premier League this season.
The futures of Jack Wilshere, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are still unclear, with the trio all out of contract at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
However, according to the London Evening Standard, Arsenal are close to bringing PAS Giannina defender Mavropanos to the club.
The 20-year-old, who has represented Greece at Under-21 level, is expected to arrive for a figure in the region of £2.2m.
It is understood that Mavropanos will soon arrive in London to discuss a deal with the Gunners. That said, if the deal is completed, the youngster will reportedly spend the second half of this season on loan in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen.
What else do Arsenal need this month?
The deal for Mavropanos is very much one for the future. He might well turn out to be a very good signing, but Arsenal fans want players that are going to make a difference now.
Much depends on whether Sanchez leaves the club this month or at the end of the season, but the Gunners are crying out for fresh blood.
Santi Cazorla’s continued injury problems, and the absence of Aaron Ramsey means that Wenger’s side are extremely light in the middle of the park.
If Sanchez or Ozil leave this month, the Gunners would be short of genuine quality in the final third, with the likes of Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck currently out of favour under Wenger.
Midfield is the area that Arsenal desperately need to improve at this stage of the campaign, but it seems that they are close to securing a deal for a centre-back that has impressed in Greece this term.
