Thursday, 28th August, 2014



Arsenal have failed in their bid to sign defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund, but are poised to return for the Greece international before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners made their move for the defender, widely known as Sokratis, earlier today, sending a bid of €15m plus bonuses to Germany in the hope of persuading Dortmund to sell.



But Jurgen Klopp's men are not keen on parting with the former AC Milan defender and €15m has not been enough to change their mind.

The bid, according to Sky Italia, has been rejected.

 


However, Arsenal are planning to return with an improved offer for Sokratis before the transfer window slams shut on Monday evening.

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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperately hunting a new defender following his decision to sell Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona earlier this summer.

Arsenal have also been linked with Atletico Madrid's Toby Alderweireld, but Sokratis remains their preferred target.

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