Arsenal: Sokratis the gift that keeps on giving

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Greece and Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopulos. This signing could be the gift that keeps on giving.

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund central defender Sokratis Papastathopulos. Sokratis is a very experienced and well-rounded defender, featuring at the heart of the Dortmund defence for several seasons.

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He is the complete package. He is vastly experienced, which could be vital for what is currently a young crop of central defenders in the squad with Laurent Koscielny out injured until December, and he is also Greek, as is Konstantinos Mavropanos, which means he could help teach the young man.

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Sokratis came up through AEK Athens youth program where he made his first-team debut in 2005. He stayed in Athens until Genoa came calling in 2008, then stayed with Genoa until AC Milan paid £14.8 million for his services in 2010. He was subsequently sent out on loan to Werder Bremen, which saw the club pay for his stay in 2011.

The first season for Bremen was good for Sokratis. He impressed the coaches and players and then made the move permanent for £4.3 million. Unfortunately, second season blues kicked in and as the club slipped into the relegation zone, tensions raised and that saw him get into a brawl with now West Ham player Marko Arnautovic.

Presently Sokratis is at Dortmund, where he has been since 2013. He has turned into one of Europe’s most consistent defenders, carving out a cosy little niche for himself at Dortmund where he is trusted by the coaching staff and players. Watching him this season, it was easy to see why the fans and players loved having him on the team.

What is so attractive about any possible addition is that Dortmund values him at as little as £15 million, which is a steal for such a quality, highly-considered, and vastly experienced defender. He would also give the new manager the opportunity to shift the young central defenders in his squad around a little, providing them all with the playing time that is necessary for their development.

With Sokratis in the squad, Rob Holding could be sent out on loan. The former Bolton defender finished his first season at the club off well with an FA Cup final win and some strong showings. But this season, he has failed to press on and further his game. He could do good with a loan down to maybe a championship side or a newly promoted one, like Calum Chambers two years ago, to experience a regular run of games.

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Sokratis, then, would not only bolster the centre-back options in the squad, but he would allow for Holding to leave on loan, help nurture fellow Greek defender Mavropanos, and shoulder some of the responsibility left behind by Koscielny’s injury. He is the gift that keeps on giving.