Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has chosen to join Arsenal rather than wait for a potential move to Manchester United to materialise, claims the player’s father.
Sokratis is expected to join the Gunners in the coming days but there was competition for his signature from Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side, who are searching for an accomplished defensive partner for Eric Bailly.
But Sokratis looks set to partner up with Laurent Koscielny at Arsenal and alongside recent signing Stefan Lichtsteiner in Arsenal’s defence, rather than wait it out for United to put a formal bid in.
Charalambos Papastathopoulos, the player’s father told Radio 24/7 this morning "There was interest from United, but for July - he had to wait until July for United," Charalambos told Radio 24/7.
"United have a very good relationship with Dortmund - the teams talked the most - but Sokratis chose to go to Arsenal."
"[Sokratis] is happy, he is in England at the moment and [on Tuesday] he will do what he has to do. The usual things, everything will go well," he added.
"He is happy, he is changing [teams] and, I think, he is going to a higher level. It is the world's most competitive league and I believe he will do well there."
Sokratis was a key part of a Borussia Dortmund side this season, making 30 appearances and getting on the score sheet twice. Arsenal will be hopeful that he can recreate his good performances for their side as they enter a new era under new boss Unai Emery.
