FC Nuremberg sporting director Robert Palikuca has been the first to speak following Konstantinos Mavropanos' loan move from Arsenal.
The Greek centre-back will spend the remainder of the season at the 2. Bundesliga club in search of much-needed game time. So far this season he has appeared just once for the first team - in the 2-2 Europa League draw with Standard Liege.
Mavropanos has featured regularly for the Under-23s, however, where he has featured 11 times after recovering from his recurring groin injuries which first cropped in the summer.
Upon signing the 22-year-old, Palikuca has admitted the German side were close to moving for him in the summer.
"Konstantinos is a robust, two-man and central defender strong in headers," he told FC Nuremberg's official website .
"We had already aimed for a loan in the summer. Due to the rehab after his injury, it would not have made sense six months ago. We would like to expressly thank Arsenal for the good exchange and the trust that the club has placed in us."
Yet to play regular first team football since joining the Gunners in January 2018, this loan move should be positive for Mavropanos. In his initial months at the club, he showed promise - especially in his performance against Manchester United in the 2017/18 season.
In his sole first team appearance this season, however, he did look like a player in dire need of minutes. He repeatedly chose the wrong moments to step into midfield and looked incredibly nervous on the night.
With Mikel Arteta taking a keen interest in the future of the club's young players, however, seeing him take action rather than allowing it to manifest should encourage Arsenal fans.
"I always suggest when you go on loan, you speak to the manager and make sure he really wants you," Arteta said when discussing his approach to loaning out players .
"He has to tell you exactly what he’s expecting from you. If he convinces you that it’s the right move for you, you have to go and prove yourself.
"it’s more the overall fit and the communication between the clubs that is clear what we are trying for that player to develop. We want the player to be comfortable and that he can see the path is the right one."
