Arsenal are set to sign Greece's soccer star Sokratis Papastathopoulos later this week for a reported 19 million euros.
Sokratis, who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund as a defender, has already undergone his medical with the north London club, and will become Unai Emery’s first signing since his appointment as Arsenal manager.
The 29-year-old did not enjoy a great season with BVB, but he has previously been considered as one of the finest defenders in Europe and Greece's best.
The player’s father, Charalambos, has revealed Manchester United were talking with Dortmund over a deal for the centre-back.
"There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them,” Charalambos told a Greek radio show. "United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams were talking more closely and he chose to go to Arsenal instead,” said his father.
Charalambos further confirmed the reports stating Sokratis is already in London to complete his switch to Arsenal. "He is happy,” he continued. “He is in England at the moment and everything will go well."
His father is also quoted as saying the international will pen a three-year contract, with the option for a further 12 months, making him the highest paid soccer player in Greece's history.
