Arsenal: One common theme with Torreira, Sokratis and Lichtsteiner

While only one has been officially announced, it looks as though Arsenal are set to sign Lucas Torreira, Stephan Lichsteiner and Sokratis Papastathopoulos this summer. And there is one common theme that runs through all three: character.

Arsenal may have only made one official signing this summer, but there are two that are very close, both of which are seemingly slipping down the pipeline quite nicely.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

Stephan Lichtsteiner has already arrived, the 34-year-old right-back arriving on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus was not renewed to provide both depth and competition for Hector Bellerin. But he is not the only one.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

A deal for Borussia Dortmund centre-half Sokratis Papasathopoulos is seemingly all wrapped up, with the official announcement set to come in July with Dortmund wanting it to count against the next financial year, while Sampdoria’s snappy midfielder Lucas Torreira is close to making the North London switch after the two clubs agreed on a £26.2 million fee and a five-year contract offer was made, with Arsenal hopeful of it being accepted.

These are three very different signings. One is an experienced, economical option. Another is a fully-fledged star. Another is a burgeoning young player with great potential, both in the present and the future. But there is one common theme that runs through all of them, and more than the fact that they have been signed to bolster or protect a leaky defence that conceded more league goals than Newcastle United. There is a theme of character that is integral to each of these players.

Lichtsteiner is a renowned leader, a key member of the Juventus dressing room that won seven successive Serie A titles; Sokratis has been described as a ‘warrior’ and is renowned for his willingness to confront and challenge both his teammates and the opposition; Torreira brings a defensive attitude and mindset that has been painfully absent from the Arsenal midfield for a number of years.

Recently, Bacary Sagna has been speaking on how Arsenal are ‘too nice’, both during his time at the club and in the current era. He stated that one of the key tasks for Unai Emery is to implement a new culture in the squad that does not settle for mediocrity, one that will challenge individuals when they fall short of the expected standard, one that will sharpen each and every player. These signings build towards that culture.

Sokratis and Lichtsteiner especially are vastly experienced players. Both have played in two of the most successful European teams of the past decade, have won league titles and domestic cups, have played for clubs that have appeared in Champions League finals, and bring a steel and maturity to the Emirates that is refreshing to see.

Next: Arsenal: 3 players impacted by Lucas Torreira signing

It is a clear aim of Emery, Sven Mislintat et al. to add a mental toughness and resolve to this team. All three of these signings point towards that. They may not be the perfect players on the pitch, but off it, they bring a culture-changing character that is most welcome indeed.