Sokratis Papastathopoulos turned down Manchester United for Arsenal, says father

Sokratis Papastathopoulos turned down interest from Manchester United in favour of joining Arsenal, the defender’s father has said.

The Borussia Dortmund centre-back is on the verge of joining Arsenal, making him Unai Emery’s second signing since replacing succeeding Arsene Wenger last month.

Papastathopoulos, who is well known to Arsenal’s head of recruitment, Sven Mislitant, has been in talks with Arsenal over the last month and is expected to sign a three-year contract at the club.

Despite United’s interest in the player’s signature, Charalambos Papastathopoulos claims that his son opted for a move to north London.

“There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them,” Charalambos told Greek radio station Radio 24/7.

“United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams talked but Sokratis chose to go to Arsenal.

“Arsenal had talked two years ago but I don’t know why he didn’t sign.

“He is going to a higher level, the world’s most competitive league and I believe he will do very well.

“Sokratis is in his last year at Dortmund. This was a major reason [for completing the move].

“He is happy, he is in England at the moment, and tomorrow [Tuesday] he will be doing what he has to do, the typical things, everything will go well, he is happy, he is changing.”