Borussia Dortmund Star Rejects United In Favour Of Arsenal Switch
REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski
Sokratis has reportedly rejected Manchester United in favour of a move to Arsenal.
On Monday, the Gunners announced the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner, who made 257 appearances for Juventus over the past seven seasons, winning the Serie A title in each of them, on a free transfer.
However, Unai Emery is set to continue to make some major amends in the Arsenal defence this summer, with the central defense area likely to get a huge upgrade soon.
With Koscielny set to miss the start of next season, Emery intends to bring in a defender to fill his spot.
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Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis is expected to assume the Frenchman’s role, as lack of success with the Black and Yellows has forced the player to search for a new club.
Reports suggest that the player is in London at the moment, and a medical could take place tonight. Sokratis’ father took to a Greek station to confirm the reports.
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“He is happy, he is in England at the moment,” his father revealed. “Tomorrow [Tuesday] everything will be done and made formal, everything will go well.”
He also revealed that Jose Mourinho was keen to bring his son to Old Trafford. But the Red Devils were not ready to make a move until July, and since the centre-back did not wish to wait to secure his future, he has decided to join Arsenal instead.
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“There was interest from Manchester United but for July, he had to wait until July for United,” the defender’s father added. “United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams speak a lot, but Sokratis chose to go to Arsenal.”
Sokratis will join former teammates Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan upon completing his switch to the Emirates.
According to DailyStar, the transfer fee is reported to be around £17 million. The player is set to sign a three-year contract with an option for another year, and will earn £4.4 million per year.
