Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is reportedly on his way to join Arsenal in the coming few days after snubbing Manchester United.
Sokratis has been one of the mainstays for the BVB back line since joining the club in 2013 from Werder Bremen. In the 2017-18 season, the 29-year-old played 43 games in all competitions for Dortmund scoring three goals.
Now the Greek International is all set to become Unai Emery’s first major signing since taking charge of the Gunners.
Sokratis’ father has revealed to a Greek radio station that Manchester United had shown interest in the defender but in order to join the Red Devils, Sokratis had to wait until July which is why he opted to join the Emirates outfit.
The 29-year-old’s father, 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 will be doing what he has to do, the typical things, everything will go well, he is happy, he is changing.”
