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At the end of April, Bild reported Sokratis Papastathopoulos was on the verge of a move to Arsenal and the switch was ‘probable’.

The German newspaper were very confident in their claims and it was stated Konstantinos Farras, the player’s agent, was in ‘close contact’ with the Gunners.

Sokratis’ ‘rustic style’ was thought to be suitable for the Premier League and a move was valued at around €20m for Borussia Dortmund.

It all rumbled on and on May 30th, Kicker reported ‘final details’ were being sorted out on the transfer, with the move ‘almost certain’.

It’s now nearly a month since then, and on Monday, Italy’s TMW rubbished the idea of a late Juventus hijack in the deal, claiming talks with Arsenal are continuing and the London club ‘should announce the purchase soon’.

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Today Dortmund completed the signing of Abdou Diallo from Mainz, and he’s thought to be Sokratis’ replacement. Ruhr Nachrichten say the move to Arsenal is ‘already fixed’ and the announcement will be at ‘the beginning of next week’.

Kicker also state Diallo will ‘fill the gap’ left by Sokratis’ move to the Premier League club.