Genoa have made contact with the agents of Arsenal centre-backs Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The usually reliable Italian journalist claims Sokratis has already “given his approval” to a move to the Serie A side but he hasn’t made a final decision on his future, as he is also waiting on an offer from Fenerbahce.

Di Marzio claims Mustafi has also been contacted by representatives of Genoa in “recent days” but, at this time, the most “concrete” proposal has been made for Sokratis.

It is not known whether the Italian club are aiming to sign both defenders, or whether one is simply a fallback option for the other, but it seems there is progress being made on the two centre-halves leaving the Emirates.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has already suggested that a number of players could depart the club this month, and it seems that the squad clearout is beginning to build up some momentum.