When assessing central defensive option at Arsenal, it can be a case of out of sight, out of mind.
Signed in 2018, Konstantinos Mavropanos has failed to make any lasting impact at the Gunners, playing just eight times in all competitions.
He’s now also been out on loan for more than a year, firstly with FC Nurnberg and now with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
And his second spell in Germany is showing signs of huge reward, particularly after it led to his international debut last week.
With Mikel Arteta likely to be in the market for a centre-back this summer, there is still a chance the 23-year-old can stake his own claim.
Arsenal ’s former head of recruitment Sven Mislintat was the man who sanctioned the deal to sign him three years ago.
He was also the man that brought Mavropanos to Stuttgart at the start of this campaign.
The sporting director at the German club admitted he would be keen to re-sign him next season, but admitted his impressive form could make that difficult.
“We are super happy that he has been a regular starter in recent weeks,” he said earlier this month. “We would like to keep him on loan for another season if possible, but that depends on Arsenal.
"The better Dino plays, the less likely it is to be able to loan him again.”
It is understood there is no clause in place to make the deal permanent at the end of the season and the player himself has suggested he would be open to a return next term.
He said: “My deal with Stuttgart ends in the summer and then I will be returning to Arsenal, but I can imagine spending another year here because I feel comfortable and the Bundesliga is very challenging.”
However, that may be taken ut of hands, with Arteta revealing he is keeping close tabs on his progress.
Asked about Mavropanos and fellow loanee Willian Saliba, the Arsenal boss explained: “We’re having meetings very often to assess what they’re doing and obviously we’re getting all the information and watching their games because I want to keep a very close eye on what they’re doing.
“We’re having meetings very often to assess what they’re doing and obviously we’re getting all the information and watching their games because I want to keep a very close eye on what they’re doing.”
Football.London report that the Spaniard intends on welcoming Mavropanos back for pre-season training, with a host of clubs across the continent monitoring the situation.
The final months of the season may confirm his long-term plans, but his performances are making this deal a win-win regardless.
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