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Report: £92k-a-week Arsenal man keen on January departure, has eyes on La Liga
Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is reportedly keen on a move to Real Betis, who are interested in snapping up the out-of-favour Gunners man, according to .
The 32-year-old’s contract at the Emirates Stadium is set to expire in the summer and the Gunners are looking to cash in during the January transfer window.
Sokratis joined Arsenal in 2018 from Borussia Dortmund and he has made 69 competitive appearances for the North Londoners.
However, the 90-cap Greece international is now surplus to Mikel Arteta’s requirements – he hasn’t made a single matchday squad for the senior side this term.
According to , Sokratis is interested in playing in Spain and likes the idea of linking up with Manuel Pellegrini’s side, while the Gunners are keen to get him off their wage bill to the extent that they would not demand a transfer fee.
Sokrtis is apparently also keen on the Bundesliga and Serie A, having previously played for Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and Genoa, but Betis are thought to be the club who have shown the most concrete interest so far.
However, it is understood that Betis will need to sell players first as they are struggling under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules enforced by La Liga and need to reduce their wage budget before they can make any major signings.
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With Sokratis being omitted from Arteta’s Premier League and Europa League squads, not to mention his expiring contract, it’s almost certain that the man has played his last game for the Gunners.
Betis currently sit 10th in La Liga, and having shipped the most goals in the division this season (31 from 18 games), they’re in need of a solid, experienced defender in their ranks, making Sokratis a good fit for them.