2 – Sokratis
The second signing Arsenal are closing in on is that of Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Sokratis is another experienced defender who now aged 29, has just one year remaining on his deal at Dortmund. He is expected to finalise his transfer to Arsenal by the end of this week. The player arrived in London on Sunday to complete his medical and transfer.
With Per Mertesacker retiring, and Laurent Koscielny’s career in doubt following a serious injury, Sokratis will add vital experience to the Arsenal backline.
Sokratis is 6ft 1′, has 79 caps for Greece and has been a regular for Dortmund in his 5 years at the club, making 130 appearances. It’s clear what Emery and the Arsenal hierarchy want to add to the club’s defensive options. Experience.