Arsenal transfer news: Sokratis deal is done - Lucas Torreira or Steven N’Zonzi next?

Done deal for Dortmund star

Arsenal have announced the signing of Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund on what the club describes as “a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee”.

The 30-year-old won two Bundesliga titles and one German Cup with Dortmund and boasts a CV that includes spells with Werder Bremen, AC Milan, Genoa and AEK Athens.

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“I feel very good,” said Papastathopoulos of his transfer. “It’s my first day here, everything is special. It’s a beautiful moment and I’m very happy that I will be here for the next years.”

Asked why he chose Arsenal, he replied: “It has a lot of fans and a very big history.”

According to Goal.com, Papastathopoulos, who is Unai Emery’s third signing of the summer, cost Arsenal “in the region of €19m (£16.7m)”, and is expected to challenge Laurent Koscielny for a starting spot.

Torreira’s turn next?

As well as Papastathopoulos, the Gunners are gearing up to unveil Lucas Torreira as their fourth signing, reports talkSPORT. The 22-year-old midfielder was first linked with a move to the Emirates last month and Sampdoria are believed to have agreed to the sale.

Currently a member of the Uruguay squad that has qualified for a World Cup quarter-final showdown with France, Torreira is expected to complete the move after the tournament.

“I want the best for my son and I know that Arsenal showed great interest,” explained Ricardo Torreira, the player’s father.

“It’s not done. It’s not official because he has not signed anything, but there’s a great chance that Lucas’s future will be in England. There was no problem in the negotiations and the latest update we have is that as soon as the World Cup ends, he will go to London for medical visits.”

N’Zonzi hands in request

Another player seemingly keen to join the Gunners is Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 29-year-old France international “has handed in a transfer request as he looks to push through a move to Arsenal”.

His former coach Emery has made no secret of his wish to lure N’Zonzi to London and the Mail says that despite having a £35m buy-out clause he may be sold by Sevilla for a modest £22m.

N’Zonzi, who has had spells in the Premier League with Blackburn and Stoke, is currently on World Cup duty with France and started the final group game against Denmark.