Arsenal centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos is set to leave the club this month with both Genoa and Fenerbahce interested- according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Greek defender has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates since arriving in 2018, and never looked likely to be the solution to Arsenal’s defensive issues. Now 32, he looks set to become part of what could be a large clear out at the north London club.
Sokratis to Leave Arsenal
Genoa and Fenerbahce Interested in Sokratis
Among the clubs reportedly interested in making a move for the defender are Genoa and Fenerbahce. According to Fabrizio Romano, both clubs are pushing to complete a deal in the next few weeks.
The attraction to join either club is certainly there for Sokratis. By joining Genoa, the defender gets the chance to remain in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Meanwhile, a move to Fenerbahce and Turkey could result in the winning of silverware.
As it stands, the Turkish club sit fifth in the Super Lig, just two points away from leaders Gaziantep with a game in hand. By adding the experience of Sokratis, Fenerbahce could find themselves back where they belong at the top of Turkish football.
Either way, wherever Sokratis does end up, his time at Arsenal is looking almost certain to reach its end this month.
The Beginning of a Clear Out Under Mikel Arteta
The reported forthcoming sale of Sokratis will likely be the first of several departures in both this month’s window and the summer window. Mesut Ozil, an Arsenal outcast these days, looks set to leave the club this month, or the summer, with reports linking the German with a move to the MLS.
Meanwhile, both Sead Kolasinac and William Saliba have been sent out on loan to Schalke and Nice. Arteta’s reign will take time to reach its full potential, but the clear out of deadwood is a start, at the very least.
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