Arsenal centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos has “asked” to be released from his contract with the Gunners in order to secure a transfer to Napoli, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website claims that the Serie A side’s manager Gennaro Gattuso has contacted the Greek international about making the move to Italy.

Sokratis spent one year at AC Milan when Gattuso was still a player there, and it is thought the defender is keen on linking up with him again. With the 32-year-old’s contract expiring next summer, he wants to be released so Napoli can sign him up on a free.

Arsenal have already sanctioned a similar deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving to Roma, and with Sokratis reportedly being told by head coach Mikel Arteta he is deemed surplus to requirements, it is thought something can be worked out.

The Gunners have too many centre-backs in the squad as it is, and they will be bolstered further if Gabriel arrives from Lille, so getting Sokratis off the books will be a priority.