Likely next club revealed as Arsenal defender has contract cancelled

Arsenal have cancelled defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos’ contract by mutual consent – leaving the Greek free to find a new team.

The 32-year-old joined the north London club from Borussia Dortmund in July 2018 for an undisclosed fee. In total, he went on to make 69 appearances for the Gunners.

Sokratis helped Mikel Arteta’s men win the FA Cup last August. In fact, the final against Chelsea proved to be the Greece international’s last first-team appearance.

In a statement, the Gunners said: “Working closely with Sokratis and his team, we have decided to cancel his contract by mutual consent.

“This gives Papa the freedom to negotiate a contract with a new club and return to action as soon as possible.”

Sokratis was out of contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Just last week, it was claimed he had been offered on a free transfer to Liverpool.

Sokratis set for Real Betis

Speaking on the club’s website, technical director Edu sent his thanks to the departing defender.

“On behalf of Mikel, our coaches, players and everyone at the club, I would like to thank Papa for his contribution to the club,” Edu said.

“He has been an important part of our group and has been a model professional throughout. The negotiations to end his contract have been collaborative. We wish Papa and his family well for the future.”

Mesut Ozil is set to follow Sokratis out of Arsenal. The playmaker is in Turkey ahead of a move to Fenerbahce. Details of Ozil’s huge salary sacrifice to join the Turks has been revealed here.

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Sead Kolasinac has joined Schalke on loan and William Saliba will spend the rest of the campaign at Nice.

Sokratis is now being tipped to move to Spain, with Real Betis ready to sign him on free transfer. He’s expected to sign an 18-month deal.