Arsenal are closing in on their first new signing of the summer transfer window, according to reports as of Tuesday.

The Gunners have been working on bringing in new players this summer after appointing former Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery as the replacement for Arsene Wenger last week.

Last season’s defensive woes appear to be the new manager’s biggest concern after taking over and various targets have been picked out to help strengthen the squad ahead of next term.

Thus, Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been approached by the Gunners and the Greek star appears to be keen on a move to north London.

Various rumours yesterday suggested that the 29-year-old, who is on a £90,000-a-week wage, was in talks with Arsenal over a transfer.

And according to Standard Sport, a £16million deal to sign Sokratis is very close to being completed with an announcement from Arsenal expected to be made at some point this week.

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