Report: Arsenal keeping close tabs on loaned-out defender deemed a ‘gladiator’ and a ‘monster’

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Arsenal loanee Konstantinos Mavropanos is reportedly being monitored closely by the Gunners, according to football.london.

The 23-year-old defender and former Greece Under-21 international has been on the books at Arsenal since January 2018, when he joined from PAS Giannina.

However, injury issues have led to him making just eight first-team appearances with the North London club, much of his game time coming for the Under-23s.

Last season, Mavropanos spent time on loan at German second-tier side Nurnberg, making 13 appearances in all competitions and helping the club survive relegation.

This season, the 6ft 4in giant has been playing for Bundesliga side Stuttgart, sporting director Sven Mislintat eagerly snapping him up.

Mavropanos has made 13 appearances for his current side – he had injury problems earlier in the season, but has put them behind him to become a crucial member of the team.

According to football.london, he has played 849 minutes in the Bundesliga this season, managing a 79.5 percent pass accuracy, winning 73 percent of his aerial duels, and making 84 interceptions.

The outlet also claims that Arsenal are monitoring his loan spell very closely as he continues to catch the eye of rival clubs and managers.

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Mavropanos may have struggled with injuries at Arsenal but, with his contract taking him to 2023, the coaches clearly have high hopes for the player.

He’s certainly doing well at Stuttgart, with manager Pellegrino Matarazzo having sung the player’s praises during his time at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

“He’s our gladiator! He’s a monster in terms of physique,” he is quoted by football.london as saying.

“And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”