Arsenal are reportedly edging closer to the signing of Greece international Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund but it seems Unai Emery is eyeing additional defensive recruits.
Sports Mole, citing French outlet Le 10 Sport, claim Arsenal are expressing an interest in Juventus centre-back Mehdi Benatia as part of their defensive overhaul.
31-year-old Benatia has earned vast experience with Juventus and Bayern Munich in his career and could join former club colleague Stephan Lichtsteiner at the Emirates Stadium, with the Swiss full-back said to be joining on a free transfer.
Benatia could be offloaded from the Italian giants as part of their own defensive reshuffle, where it’s stated Massimiliano Allegri is keen to replace the ageing figures of his back-line with younger players – although a significant fee could still be commanded for Benatia.
With Arsenal also continuing to be linked with Freiburg’s Caglar Soyuncu, the future looks bleak for Germany international Shkodram Mustafi – who is tipped for an exit after a difficult few years with the Gunners.
