West Ham United have secured the services of former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart for £18 million.
The 25-year-old centre-back has inked a five-year contract with the London-based club and will wear the number 15 shirt.
This acquisition follows West Ham’s failed £30 million bid for Harry Maguire last week.
Mavropanos, who spent four years with Arsenal from 2018 to 2022 but garnered only eight appearances, is set to try the Premier League again under the guidance of West Ham manager David Moyes.
While Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest expressed interest in the Greek international with 19 caps over the summer, Mavropanos wanted to return to London.
This interest played a pivotal role in his decision-making process.
His stint with Stuttgart has been impressive, making 89 appearances for the club after initially joining the German side on loan.
Stuttgart made the move permanent for around £2.9 million last summer, but he is on the move again.
Mavropanos will fortify West Ham’s defensive options alongside Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and Thilo Kehrer.
Mavropanos was crucial in helping Stuttgart stay in the Bundesliga last season after flirting with relegation. He adds depth and experience to West Ham’s defensive roster.
He said (via West Ham’s official website): “I am really happy and excited to be here – and to be back in the Premier League with West Ham United.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the club after last season’s Conference League win – and I am really looking forward to the next step in my career.
“I can promise the fans I will give everything for them and the shirt.”
This signing marks the third addition to West Ham’s squad during the summer transfer window, following the acquisitions of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.
The Hammers are still chasing Ajax star Mohammed Kudus and are hoping to complete the deal before the transfer window closes.
