Konstantinos Mavropanos exit update at West Ham United as Juventus swap deal mooted
Juventus could propose a swap deal with West Ham United which would see Arthur Melo join the Hammers and Konstantinos Mavropanos depart, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian outlet reported on its website on Monday (15 July) that the Greek defender was a target for the Old Lady’s radar last year, while the Irons are understood to be interested in the Brazilian midfielder.
Thiago Motta’s side value the former Liverpool loanee in the region of £17million which is understood to be similar to the Hammers’ asking price for Mavropanos, which could open the door for a potential swap deal.
Reports earlier in the summer had suggested that West Ham had already made an approach for Arthur this summer, who is not believed to be part of Motta’s plans this summer [La Gazzetta dello Sport, 25 May].
Would West Ham United sanction Konstantinos Mavropanons’ exit in the summer transfer window?
While Arthur would be an exciting addition to the Hammers’ midfield this summer, Julen Lopetegui is unlikely to be in any sort of rush to allow Mavropanos to depart the London Stadium ahead of the new season.
The former Real Madrid manager is eager to revamp the West Ham backline between now and the start of the campaign, with the addition of Max Kilman only thought to be the beginning of the defensive overhaul.
Speculation has continued to surround both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd during the off-season, but there appears to be an expectation around East London that Mavropanos will still be an Iron come the end of the window.
On top of that, Lopetegui has more options available in midfield than he does in defence. Allowing the Greek international to join Juventus to get Arthur in exchange would see him create a big issue out of a non-existent problem.
If Juventus do propose this swap deal as has been mooted, it seems unlikely the Hammers would be willing to accept it.
In other West Ham news, a new update has emerged around Flynn Downes’ future at the London Stadium amid links with Southampton
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