AS Roma have set their sights on West Ham United’s Greek center-back Konstantinos Mavropanos as they aim to strengthen their defensive unit ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Giallorossi, under the guidance of manager Gian Piero Gasperini, are actively exploring the transfer market to find players who fit their tactical vision, and the 27-year-old defender has emerged as a key target. With talks reportedly underway, Mavropanos’ potential move to Serie A could mark a significant step in his career, while Roma look to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
📰 Roma is reportedly working to try & bring West Ham United & Greek centre back Konstantinos Mavropanos to Italy 🇬🇷🔜✍️🇮🇹❓️
— Hellas Football (@HellasFooty) July 10, 2025
Would this be a good move for the 27 year old 🤔#Mavropanos #Roma #WHU #Greece #Ethniki
(@DiMarzio) pic.twitter.com/JM644OEBUW
Roma’s Defensive Overhaul
Roma’s interest in Mavropanos comes as part of a broader strategy to reinforce their backline. Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport reported that the club is evaluating the feasibility of a deal for the physically imposing defender, who stands at 6’4” and is known for his aerial prowess and aggressive defending style. Gasperini, renowned for his high-intensity, attacking system, is seeking a center-back who can provide solidity, physicality, and tactical versatility, qualities Mavropanos has demonstrated during his time at West Ham and previously at Stuttgart and Arsenal.
The Giallorossi have also been linked with other defensive targets, such as Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí, but Mavropanos’ experience in the Premier League and his relatively affordable transfer fee—estimated at around £20 million—make him an attractive option. With Roma aiming to compete in both Serie A and European competitions, the addition of a reliable defender like Mavropanos could provide the depth and quality needed to support Gasperini’s ambitions.
Mavropanos’ Journey: From Arsenal to West Ham
Konstantinos Mavropanos, born in Athens in 1997, began his professional career with PAS Giannina in Greece before earning a move to Arsenal in 2018. However, his time in North London was marked by limited opportunities, with only eight first-team appearances due to adaptation challenges and injuries. Loan spells at Nuremberg and Stuttgart in Germany allowed Mavropanos to showcase his potential, particularly during his two-year stint with Stuttgart, where he made 87 appearances and scored seven goals. His performances in the Bundesliga, characterized by physical dominance and ball-playing ability, led to a permanent move to Stuttgart in 2022 before West Ham secured his signature for £18-19 million in August 2023
At West Ham, Mavropanos has been a regular presence, making 33 Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season, with 21 starts. His aerial ability (winning 70% of aerial duels in his final Bundesliga season) and willingness to carry the ball forward have been notable, though he has faced criticism for occasional errors. Despite scoring his first goal for the Hammers in a 2-0 win over former club Arsenal in December 2023 and contributing in European competitions, Mavropanos has struggled to fully win over manager Graham Potter, who is reportedly open to moving him on to fund new signings.
128 touches
— COYIrons (@COYIronscom) September 27, 2023
108/119 successful passes
10/15 accurate long passes
16 passes into final third
2/2 ground duels won
2/2 aerial duels won
5 clearances
7 recoveries
Konstantinos Mavropanos 🌟 pic.twitter.com/oyMsMjCVCe
Why Roma Want Mavropanos
Mavropanos’ profile aligns well with Gasperini’s requirements. His physicality, standing at 194 cm and weighing nearly 90 kg, makes him a formidable presence in both boxes, particularly on set pieces, an area where Roma aim to improve. His ability to play out from the back, demonstrated by his 4.33 ball progressions per minute in the Bundesliga, complements Gasperini’s preference for defenders who can initiate attacks. Additionally, Mavropanos’ experience across the Premier League, Bundesliga, and with the Greek national team (20 caps, two goals) adds a layer of reliability and international pedigree
Roma’s interest is further fuelled by West Ham’s willingness to negotiate. Reports suggest the Hammers could accept offers as low as £8-10 million, a significant loss on their initial investment, as they look to revamp their squad under Potter. Roma, keen to capitalize on this opportunity, have initiated talks with West Ham, though no formal agreement has been reached.
Challenges and Competition
While Roma are at the forefront of the race for Mavropanos, they face challenges in finalizing the transfer. West Ham’s defensive struggles in the 2024-25 season, conceding 50 goals in 30 Premier League matches, have highlighted the need for reinforcements, which could make them hesitant to let Mavropanos go without a replacement. The Hammers have been linked with players like Udinese’s Oumar Solet and Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck as potential successors, with the latter deal reportedly dependent on Chelsea’s cooperation in a separate transfer.
Additionally, Roma must contend with interest from other clubs. Mavropanos’ name has also surfaced in connection with Italian clubs like Juventus and AC Milan, who are monitoring his teammate Aguerd. Roma’s financial considerations, particularly after their recent transfer activity, will also play a role, with the club proceeding cautiously to ensure the deal aligns with their budget.
A Good Move for Mavropanos?
A move to Roma could be a defining moment for Mavropanos. At 27, he is at an age where regular playing time and a stable environment are crucial for his development. Gasperini’s system, which emphasizes aggressive defending and ball-playing defenders, could allow Mavropanos to rediscover the form he showed at Stuttgart. Serie A’s tactical nature may also suit his skill set better than the Premier League’s physical demands, where he has occasionally been exposed.
AS Roma’s pursuit of Konstantinos Mavropanos signals their intent to build a robust and dynamic defensive unit under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Greek defender’s physicality, experience, and versatility make him a compelling target, especially at a potential transfer fee of £8-20 million. While West Ham’s openness to a sale and Roma’s proactive approach are encouraging, the deal’s outcome remains uncertain, with Mavropanos reportedly open to staying in London. As the transfer window progresses, Roma’s ability to secure Mavropanos could prove pivotal in their quest to elevate their squad and compete for silverware in Serie A and beyond.
