Report: Arsenal set for big loss on £18m enforcer Sokratis

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A report by The Express has claimed that Arsenal could make a substantial loss on defender Sokratis if they decide to sell him during the summer.

The Greek defender could make way for the permanent signing of Pablo Mari and possible another central defensive addition.

Arsenal paid £18 million to Borussia Dortmund to secure the uncompromising player in 2018 but the report claims that a maximum of £8 million is likely to be the valuation in the summer.

Sokratis has filled in at right-back of late but only as a makeshift option with some players struggling for fitness.

The 31-year-old isn’t blessed with an abundance of pace and in June he will turn 32.

As a result, selling him seems like a viable solution in the summer even if it does mean taking a hit.

Sokratis has played 67 times in all competitions during his time at the Emirates Stadium and boasts the experience of playing for AC Milan, Genoa and Werder Bremen too.

His well-travelled nature probably won’t see him go without a club. Given that his valuation will be pretty low, someone in Europe will probably snap him up.

The summer looks like being a big one for Arsenal. Boss Mikel Arteta will be desperate to try and put his own mark on the squad and that could see some players leave.

Recouping £8 million might not seem much but getting Sokratis’ £92,000-a-week wages off the salary bill would be ideal.

If Champions League qualification isn’t secured then Arteta will probably have to wheel and deal somewhat.

Any player who isn’t going to play will be deemed surplus. Sokratis looks to be heading in that direction at Arsenal.