Arsenal's first deal of the summer transfer window has been confirmed with VfB Stuttgart announcing the permanent signing of defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The Greek centre-back joined the German outfit on a season-long loan deal at the start of the campaign, with a view to a long-term switch. An obligation to buy was written into the contract but would only be active should Stuttgart avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.
With the side avoiding dropping into the second-tier courtesy of a dramatic final day victory over FC Koln - Waturo Endo scoring in the 92nd minute - the clause to make Mavropanos' switch to the Mercedes-Benz Arena became active.
The club announced the deal on their official website on Thursday afternoon with a short statement. It read: "As a result of staying in the class, Konstantinos Mavropanos' contractually agreed commitment comes into effect. The Greek national player, who was previously on loan from Arsenal FC, is now contractually bound to VfB until June 30th, 2025."
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old also gave his say on sealing a permanent move to Germany. He said: "I have always done my best and will continue to do my best for this great club. The trust of those responsible and the affection of the fans in Stuttgart are a great motivation for me."
It remains to be seen how much the Gunners have managed to earn from the sale of the Greek defender - but it appears unlikely to be a considerable amount. Reports from The Athletic have suggested that Stuttgart will fork out just £3m, whilst having the potential to pay up to £1.5m in bonuses.
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Whilst that represents a profit on the reported £1.8m that it took Arsenal to sign Mavropanos from PAS Giannina back in the January transfer window of 2018, it is a significantly lower amount than they could have potentially earned. The Greek’s performances in Germany have impressed other clubs including Borussia Dortmund and West Ham United, with it suggested that a fee of £21m could potentially be enough to seal a second move in the summer transfer window.
Edu then will certainly be regretting the decision to negotiate that low of a clause in the first place.
In all, Mavropanos made 33 appearances for Stuttgart throughout the 2021/22 season, his goalscoring form earning him plenty of plaudits with five strikes to his name throughout the campaign. He only ever made nine senior appearances for Arsenal in over four years, his low point being a 15-minute appearance in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Leicester City in 2018 - the defender being shown a straight red card.
He of course appeared unlikely to ever make it in north London though, with the Gunners having plenty of competition at centre-back. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes are Mikel Arteta's first-choice centre-backs, whilst Rob Holding and the returning William Saliba represent excellent back-up options heading into next season.
