Arsenal have completed the signing of 30-year-old Greek defender, Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.
We have known for some time that the player would become the third signing of the summer, joining Bernd Leno and Stephan Lichtsteiner as new arrivals of the Unai Emery era.
He should add quality and experience to a backline that shipped 73 goals in all competitions last season. With Laurent Koscielny out with a long-term injury, guidance is needed for talented young defenders such as Konstantinos Mavropanos, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding.
Papastathopoulos, who joins on a long-term contract with the fee undisclosed, looked delighted that the deal was finally complete.
The ex-Werder Bremen man was pictured with former Dortmund teammate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who welcomed him to the club. He has been handed the no 5 jersey, which goes a long way to prove he will be a starter when the new season commences in August.
Sokratis wears Arsenal kit for the first time
He established himself as an elite centre-back when he was at the Signal Iduna Park (Westfalenstadion), as he won the German Cup once coupled with 2 DFL Super Cup triumphs as well.
He is known for his interception skills, exceptional reading of the game and most importantly, his leadership qualities. He has played for the likes of Werder Bremen AC Milan, Genoa and AEK Athens in his career till date and is also an experienced international player, making 70 appearances for the Euro 2004 champions.
It has been an exciting summer for Arsenal so far; for that, credit must go to Emery for attracting these players without huge financial resources and to Sven Mislintat, for handling the deals so smoothly.
am not saying that socratis will help arsenal for more than two seasons,but he will add exprience 2the club.helping young 2grow.