Arsenal are currently leading the chase to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos this summer. According to recent reports, the Gunners are reportedly the front-runners in the chase to secure the services of the Greek international when the transfer window opens in the summer. It is believed that the North Londoners are on the lookout for some new defenders in the summer transfer period after shipping in 48 goals in 35 league fixtures during the course of this season.
Some sources are now claiming that Wenger’s side are currently ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Juventus in pursuit of the Greek international’s signature. It is being suggested that Arsenal’s head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat, is in “close contact” with the Dortmund defender’s agent, Konstantinos Farras. The 29-year-old just has a year left to run on his current deal with the Bundesliga club and it is understood that Dortmund will demand a fee in the region of €20m (£17.5m) for their prized asset.
Sokratis has put in some rock solid displays for Peter Stöger’s team and has featured in 42 matches for them this season, scoring three goals in all competitions. At 29, the Greek defender still has a few years left in him to play at the top level which the Gunners could look to utilise in the coming years.
The North London side have a tally of 57 points after playing in 35 league matches and are currently sitting in the 6th position in the top-flight standings. All of Wenger’s hopes are on the UEFA Europa League basket with a season-defining away clash against Atletico Madrid looming on the horizon.
The addition of Sokratis will undoubtedly bolster Arsenal’s defensive options going into the new season. The Gunners have the likes of Callum Chambers, Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Nacho Monreal and Konstantinos Mavropanos vying for a place in the Arsene Wenger’s first-team. The potential acquisition of Sokratis will definitely improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within the Gunners squad.
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Sokratis is quite versatile and can play in a number of different position across the backline. The Greek international primarily operates as a central defender but can also be deployed in the right-back position which makes him an ideal fit for any of his potential suitors. Only time will tell what lies ahead in the future of Sokratis and whether he ends up making a switch to the Emirates Stadium in the near future.
