‘Deal very close’ – Arsenal set to replace club captain with 29-year-old defender

According to reports, Arsenal are closing in on completing a summer move for Sokratis Papastathopoulos making the defender their first summer signing.

Arsenal keen on defensive reinforcement

Gianluca Di Marzio, as cited by Metro, is claiming that Arsenal are keen on a transfer deal to sign the 29-year-old this summer transfer window as they prepare for life after French tactician Arsene Wenger.

As per the same article, the club’s transfer department has pencilled down the defender as a top transfer target this summer transfer window despite the North Londoners currently being without a head coach.

The Gunner’s defending has been strongly criticised in recent campaigns and it would be no shock to see them spend huge on strengthening their backline this summer transfer window.

Greece international looking to move away

The Greece international is out of deal at German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund next summer window, and negotiations over a fresh contract have allegedly broken down.

The same article says that a move to bring him to the Emirates Stadium is now close to completion, and Arsenal are hoping to complete the signing of the defender for about £17million.

The Gunners ended up in sixth spot in the English Premier League this campaign as they once again failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.