Arsenal fans are torn reports that they close to completing the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
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.
A solid addition? The Arsenal fans remain unsure …
He's one of the best CB in the German Bundesliga. If we manage to get him for €18m, that would be an absolute steal.
— astronautovic (@astronautovic14) May 28, 2018
Rough this year. Like everyone under Stoger. Was still a very good defender the year before. Worth a shot for 16m. That’s worth the risk.
— treize khushrenada (@projectksl) May 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jackel_Ramzilla/status/1001045173739147264
https://twitter.com/escustefan/status/1001068484854534146
We're a mid table club so yeah it's a decent buy
— King Bartholomew Kuma (@RaohShinken83) May 28, 2018
That would be a steal. 18m for a quality defender
— Kieran (@KieranGray13) May 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/ant0308/status/1001053639371304960
Compared to the money stones n vvd went for this is a bargain. Sokratis is better than both and better than most in prem.
— ❤️Craig🤍 (@Craigh34567) May 28, 2018
Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Arsenal makes sense. An experienced defender who can guide his compatriot Mavropanos for the next couple of seasons.
Worth noting that they also share the same agent who has a strong relationship with Sven Mislintat. pic.twitter.com/kxm3Wu4mko
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) May 28, 2018