Arsenal are ready to reportedly recruit defensive signings with Borussia Dortmund central defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos topping the list.
Arsenal, coming off the back of a dismal season which saw them finish sixth and crash out of the Europa League semi-final are keen to solve their defensive issues. A backline which leaked 56 goals in the Premier League alone is set for significant changes ahead of next season, with at least three defenders targeted, according to Daily Mirror.
Arsenal’s managerial appointment might still be pending, but that is not stopping the head of recruitment, Sven Mislintat from approaching reported targets. The Gunners are said to be looking at first-team players in three possible areas including central defence, defensive midfield and a goalkeeper.
In the past weeks, with the managerial search gathering heat, Arsenal have been linked with many central defenders including Jonny Evans, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Caglar Soyuncu. Evans, especially, is touted as a choice given his reported £3 million price tag following West Bromwich Albion’s relegation to the Championship.
However, recent reports have suggested that Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos is much closer to signing for Arsenal than any other target. This could be because Evans is likely to be a target for other Premier League sides and could prefer a move to Manchester City if they come calling over Arsenal.
Sokratis seems like the choice of Sven Mislintat, who is again pondering a dip into his old club to bring players to Arsenal, after the January signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Greek defender is a viable option for the Gunners, given his experience as well as the fact that he is in his prime years.
Sokratis has a reported price tag of £15 million, and Arsenal are seemingly willing to do a deal for that fee. The fact that Freiburg are demanding more than £35 million for their 21-year old defender Caglar Soyuncu has put Arsenal off track in their pursuit of the Turkish star.
Arsenal are in dire need of a defensive overhaul, considering their bad form at the back this season. There are visible concerns over Shkodran Mustafi’s form and many believe he will be sold this summer. Additionally, experienced defender Laurent Koscielny is out with a long-term injury and his advancing age will also play a role in recruiting new defenders ahead of next season.
Sokratis has been a strong signing for Dortmund and has gone on to make 198 appearances in all competitions up until now. The Greek international defender has scored 10 goals in his Dortmund career and despite his advancing age, it is thought that he still has a few seasons under his belt at the top level.
Arsenal and Mislintat will prioritise Sokratis ahead of other targets. It now remains to be seen if the head of recruitment’s relationship with Dortmund yields the North Londoners another potentially fantastic signing after Aubameyang.
