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Arsenal are closing in on completing the signing of Sokratis Popastathopolous.
The centre-back is expected to complete his £16m from Borussia Dortmund in the coming days.
New boss Unai Emery has moved quickly to bolster the Gunners defence which conceded over 50 times in the Premier League last term.
The Greek international is due to sign a three-year deal, with an option of a further year and according to the player’s father, Sokratis turned down Manchester United in favour of a move to the Emirates.
The Red Devils, who are on the hunt for a new centre back to partner Eric Bailly at Old Trafford, were reportedly keen on landing the 29 year-old.
Speaking on Greek radio station Radio 24/7, Sokratis’ dad Charalambos Papastathopoulos broke the news of his son’s United snub.
“There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them,” Charalambos said. “United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams talked but Sokratis chose to go to Arsenal.
Arsenal bound Sokratis rejected a move to Man Utd (Images: Alexandre Simoes)
“Arsenal had talked two years ago but I don’t know why he didn’t sign.
“He is going to a higher level, the world’s most competitive league and I believe he will do very well.
“Sokratis is in his last year at Dortmund. This was a major reason [for completing the move].
“He is happy, he is in England at the moment, and tomorrow [Tuesday] he will be doing what he has to do, the typical things, everything will go well, he is happy, he is changing.
Gooners, are you please with the imminent signing? Let us know in the comments…
