Arsenal on cusp of first summer signing, player's father confirms move

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of confirming Sokratis Papastathopoulos's transfer from Borussia Dortmund. The Greece international is said to have snubbed interest from Manchester United to join the Gunners.

In a report covered by Evening Standard, Sokratis' father Charalambos confirmed that both United and Arsenal were in the running for the centre-back's signature but the Greek has decided to join the north London club.

He added that the necessary formalities should be finalised by the end of the day with the Gunners expected to announce a £16m deal for the experienced centre-back.

Arsenal presently have a relatively inexperienced central defence after Per Mertesacker's retirement and Laurent Koscielny's long-term injury and Sokratis will partially fill this void with his leadership skills.

Nonetheless, the Gunners are likely to pursue another centre-back in the transfer window with Freiburg's Caglar Soyuncu leading their wishlist. The Turkey international is due to hold negotiations with the Gunners following the friendly against Russia tonight.