Respected Italian journalist reveals Arsenal in talks for Dortmund Greek defender

By 1970's Gooner

Italian journalist Jianlouka Di Marjio has revealed today that Arsenal have made a bid for Socratis Papastathopoulos the Greek defender who now plays for Borrusia Dortmund.

Arsenal have offered 15m euros (about 12.9m pounds) but Dortmund have said they want 25m euros. It is expected that Wenger will up his bid closer to 20m euros in order to come closer to Dortmund's valuation.

And the player is worth it. He is at a good age for a central defender (26) and excelled for Greece at the World Cup alongside Arsenal's ex target Manolas. Remember that it was at this site that was first revealed, long before any other paper in England got hold of the story, that Arsenal lost out on Manolas to Roma.

Papastathopoulos is much more experienced however having played for AEK Athens, AC Milan, Genoa, Bremen and Dortmund.

He can also play as a right back as well as in the middle of the defence.

But hold your horses. The chances of the deal going through are however rated as 50 50 at the moment.