Borussia Dortmund’s director of football, Michael Zorc, has confirmed that the club will sign Abdou Diallo to replace Sokratis Papastathopoulos who is heading to Arsenal.
Everything needed to bring the Greek defender to Arsenal has reportedly been signed and agreed. The official announcement is expected after 1 July as the Germans do not want to include his sale in this year’s accounts.
“We are in final talks,” Zorc said over the weekend for the 22-year-old player who will cost more than what Arsenal are paying for the 30-year-old Sokratis.
Dortmund are believed to be paying in the region of €25m for Diallo while Arsenal have agreed a fee of around €18.2m (£16m) for Sokratis.
Although Arsenal’s interest in Diallo didn’t go as far as Dortmund’s, they were apparently in for him at some stage. Sven Mislintat is reportedly a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old, and in January he reportedly recommended the club sign him.
Get French Football News reported late last month that it was ‘highly probable’ Arsenal would make a concrete move for the player in the near future. Reports suggested Mainz told the Gunners the defender would cost around £26m, which now appears to be accurate.
He has agreed a five-year deal with the Germans.