Konstantinos Mavropanos should consider Arsenal exit if Malick Thiaw arrives

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Mikel Arteta is going to have some tough decisions to make during the summer, with Arsenal already boasting a number of centre-back options. 

William Saliba and Konstantinos Mavropanos will be added to those ranks upon the completion of their respective loan spells.

But it appears that Arteta may not stop there.

The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that the Gunners are amongst the clubs scouting Malick Thiaw. The Schalke youngster has a £7 million release clause in his contract.

If Thiaw arrives, it would be little surprise to see others leave the Emirates. And one of the players who should perhaps consider their future if the 18-year-old comes is Mavropanos.

The 22-year-old – who cost £1.9 million, according to the Guardian – has actually enjoyed an encouraging loan spell in Germany with Nurnberg.

He produced a couple of man of the match displays before suffering an injury that has kept him out since February.

However, he is the one defender loaned out during Arteta’s tenure. Meanwhile, the Spaniard has handed a number of young players a substantial opportunity since his arrival.

So it may already be ominous that Mavropanos has only played once under Arteta. He may well be well down the pecking order already – despite the promise he has shown out on loan.

And if another young option gets added to the equation – particularly one Arteta will have presumably had a say in signing – it is difficult to see Mavropanos getting any opportunities next term.

And thus, perhaps an exit could be on the cards.