Arsenal are on the verge of their first signing of the Unai Emery era after beating Manchester United in the chase for an experienced defender.
The Mirror quotes the father of Greece international Sokratis Papastathopoulos as confirming that a move to the Emirates Stadium from Borussia Stadium is set to go ahead, with the 29-year-old defender snubbing an advance from Jose Mourinho’s side.
Sokratis will join a strong ex-Dortmund contingent at the Emirates Stadium, following the signatures of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, and a deal could be concluded in the next few days.
Speaking to Greek radio station Radio 24/7, Sokratis’ dad Charalambos Papastathopoulos said:
“There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them. United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams talked but Sokratis chose to go to Arsenal.”
“Arsenal had talked two years ago but I don’t know why he didn’t sign. He is going to a higher level, the world’s most competitive league and I believe he will do very well.”
“Sokratis is in his last year at Dortmund. This was a major reason [for completing the move]. He is happy, he is in England at the moment, and tomorrow [Tuesday] he will be doing what he has to do, the typical things, everything will go well, he is happy, he is changing.”
“I think he is going to a higher level. the world’s most competitive and I believe there will go well.”
