Report: Napoli confirm they are working on a deal to sign Arsenal defender Sokratis

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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that the club is in talks to sign Arsenal defender, Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

The Greek defender is said to be on his way out of the Emirates and De Laurentiis, speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss (quotes via Goal), confirmed the Serie A club are indeed looking at concluding a deal.

“We’re working on it. The transfer market is a laugh. In the world of football, balls swell out of proportion, it seems that you are talking to people who are blackmailers.”

A move for Sokratis seems wise for both player and club, given that Mikel Arteta has a vast array of options in defence. As well as new signing Gabriel Magalhaes, the Gunners boss also has William Saliba back with the squad, as well as the experienced David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.

The 32-year-old Sokratis will leave the club – all being well – having played 44 times in the Premier League for the Gunners, per Transfermarkt.

A good move for Sokratis, hopefully, he can continue his career – TBR View

The Greece international is a solid professional and has done well enough at times for Arsenal without ever being spectacular.

A move away, then, seems to make sense. He might get the chance to impress in Naples too and become a regular, especially if the club does end up selling Kalidou Koulibaly.

Arsenal is a club moving forward under Mikel Arteta and sadly for Sokratis, the Gunners boss has younger and arguably better options.