Arsenal's only ever Greek player runs the rule over Gunners' new signing | OneFootball

Assuming Konstantinos Mavropanos makes a first-team appearance for Arsenal at some point, he will become the second Greek player to play for the club.

Arsenal confirmed the signing of Mavropanos, a 20-year-old defender, from PAS Giannina this week.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Greek defender Stathis Tavlaridis, who made a single eight appearances for the Gunners after joining as a 21-year-old in 2001.

Tavlaridis told Goal that Mavropanos has what it takes to make the grade in North London.

“He’s a very good player with a big future ahead of him,” Tavlaridis declared.

“Mavropanos has the whole package to have a very successful career. I am sure he will go on to play for the first team because he has the personality and quality to make it.”

Arsène Wenger indicated on Friday that his new signing would go out on loan, possibly to Germany, where he will be able to get regular football.

“The plan is for him to go on loan,” Wenger said. “I prefer him to play at the top level and gain experience.

“He is 20 years old and is not ready to start for us.”

When Mavropanos returns to Arsenal, he will face the very tough task of breaking into the first team.

“The advice I can give to him is to believe in himself and to be himself,” Tavlaridis said of his young compatriot.