Arsenal to complete €20 million signing for Sokratis Papasthathopoulos

After a disappointing season, Arsenal looks set to challenge for the Premier League again. The pursue of German defender is a step in that direction.

Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papasthathopoulos may be set to join Arsenal next season. According to German publication ‘Bild’, the Greek player is offered a two-year contract by the North-London club.

Sokratis’ contract at Dortmund ends at the end of the season. According to Dortmund’s sporting director, the defender has denied a new contract with the club.

Arsenal had a disappointing season with their defence, which saw them finish 6^th in the Premier League. Bild reports that Arsenal have lined up a 20m bid to sign the Greek defender.

Per Mertesacker has retired, and Laurent Koscielny is sidelined with injury for some time, which he suffered during their game against Atletico Madrid. The remaining defenders, Kostantinos Mavropanos, Mustafi and Chambers are still unproven in the context of regular first team football.

The club’s long-serving manager Arsene Wenger stepped down this season, which also leaves the club in search of a new manager.

Also read: Arsenal set to hold talks with Thierry Henry for managerial position

As the transfer window finishes before the start of Premier League season in England, Arsenal has started identifying transfer targets.

Bild also reported that Borussia Dortmund will be in talks with Mainz’s Abdou Diallo to replace Sokratis.

The Greek defender signed for Borussia Dortmund in the year 2013. Since joining the German outfit, he has represented them on 198 occasions.

During his time at Dortmund, he won a DFB Pokal and two DFL Supercup titles. Previously, he has won a Serie A title with AC Milan in 2011.

In the January transfer window, Arsenal completed the transfer of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. The North-London club is also home to former Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.