Arsenal are close to completing the £16 million transfer of Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulo, according to reports.

New Arsenal manager Unai Emery is looking to complete a total defensive makeover this summer, with Sokratis set to be the first of a number of high profile signings made before the start of next season.

The Gunners are in advanced negotiations to bring the Greece international to The Emirates, with head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, who knows Sokratis well from there time together at Dortmund, thought to be a major factor in the defender moving to North London.

Arsenal originally offered £13 million for the 29-year-old, however Dortmund are holding out for £16 million – a fee the Gunners are understood to be willing to match.

An announcement of Sokratis’ transfer is expected later this week.

Sokratis joined Dortmund in 2013 in a €9.5 million switch from fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, and the Greek has since established himself as one of Die Borussan’s key players.

In five seasons at the Westfalonstadion, Sokratis has made just two shy of 200 appearances, scoring 10 goals, helping his side lift back-to-back German Supercups in both 2013 and 2014, as well as the DFB Pokal in 2016/17.