Star player snubbed Man United to move to Arsenal, claims father

According to Sokratis Papastathopoulos’s father, the defender has chosen to join Arsenal after rejecting a switch to Premier League giants Manchester United.

Defender linked with Arsenal

The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium recently as new boss Unai Emery continue his search for his first signings as Arsenal manager.

The Daily Mirror is now claiming that the centre-half is set to pen a three year deal with Arsenal to become their very first signing this summer, with the option for another year.

It is suggested that the Red Devils were also keeping close tabs on him recently but he has decided against a move to United and is instead preparing to sign for their bitter rivals Arsenal. The fee is thought to be about £16million.

Man United allegedly scouted the defender as they searched for a solid partner for Eric Bailly at the back.

Defender turn down Man United

However, the player’s father Charalambos has now suggested that his son rejected the prospect of a transfer to Old Trafford and the opportunity to work under Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho.

He told Radio 24/7, as cited by Daily Mirror that there was interest from Old Trafford but he had to wait until next month for them.

The Gunners finished in sixth position on the Premier League log last term as they missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification for the second season running.