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Arsenal close to signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos, says Borussia Dortmund chief

Sokratis helped Greece reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time
Image: Sokratis Papastathopoulos appears on the verge of a move to Arsenal

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Sokratis Papastathopoulos, according to Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that a deal for the Greece international defender is inching closer and could be announced on July 1.

Asked by German outlet Revier Sport if Papastathopoulos is poised to make the switch to Arsenal, Zorc said: "It tends to go there [the deal] that's right. But things are not completely finalised yet.

"And I will not work with you now and talk about the rumour mill, which includes 27 new BVB players since the end of May."

Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos for £16million
Image: Papastathopoulos is well known to Arsenal's head of recruitment Sven Mislintat

Meanwhile, Sky Sports News understand that Arsenal remain in talks with Freiburg for centre-back Caglar Soyuncu, who has been linked with a move to north London in recent weeks.

Speaking to Turkish publication Gunes, the 22-year-old defender revealed he has his heart set on joining Unai Emery's Gunners.

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"It is true, Arsenal have made an offer," Soyuncu said. "I want Arsenal, God willing I will go to Arsenal or the Premier League but it all depends on Freiburg.

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"I still have another three years on my contract. I received offers from teams in Turkey. I would not be able to give you a name, but I rejected them. I will not be returning to Turkey. I want to continue my career in Europe at the biggest clubs."

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