Report: Arsenal in transfer stand-off with suitor over £92k-a-week Gunners player

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal appear to have entered into a transfer stand-off over Sokratis Papastathopoulos, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The report claims that Napoli are eager for the centre-back to find an agreement with the Gunners over ending his contract, which would then allow them to sign him on a free transfer.

However, Arsenal – who have bolstered their defensive ranks this week with the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes – are seemingly sticking to their guns.

They reportedly don’t want to sell Sokratis and have proposed a new contract, but if he’s intent on leaving, the Gunners would want a small outlay.

In addition, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the 32-year-old has directly spoken with Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso, who is eager for him to join.

TBR View:

Mikel Arteta has brought a lot of change about at Arsenal so far and is in the process of bolstering his ranks, but that means there are bound to be departures to balance the books.

According to The Mirror, Sokratis is one of three Gunners players earmarked for a move, along with Matteo Guendouzi and Rob Holding.

Sokratis’ £92,000-a-week contract expires next year and, at 32, he’s not going to have much resale value, but surely Arsenal wouldn’t just cancel his contract and give someone their player for free.