On April 27th, Sokratis Papastathopoulos was described by Bild as being on the verge of leaving Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal were presented as the defender’s ‘probable’ destination.
As we explained at the time, it didn’t feel like a normal transfer rumour, with things rather more sure, although it was stated Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus also held an interest.
Arsenal were said to be in ‘close contact’ with Konstantinos Farras, Sokratis’ agent, and Sven Mislintat was behind it all.
Dortmund were already looking for a successor, and a transfer was valued at €20m.
Those claims were then picked up by the English media and run with, but given Bild got there first it’s worth seeing their update today.
In fact, the claim is part of a wider article on Dortmund’s business and the part relating to this transfer is simply: ‘In addition, Sokratis is about to leave for Arsenal. A sale of the Greek-tackler brings around another €20m.’
This one looks like it’s happening.
From Portugal: Around 50 hooded men ‘beat’ Sporting players and staff, disgusting images. https://t.co/t6CE3S0Xjy pic.twitter.com/pHQDdD77ft
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) May 15, 2018
