Premier League clubs approve changes to associated party transaction rules
The proposed changes came into play after an independent tribunal found some aspects of the APT rules to be unlawful following Manchester City’s lawsuit.
Premier League giants Arsenal on Monday announced the signing of Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Bundlesliga side Borussia Dortmund for a reported free of €19 million.
“Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulos has joined us on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee,” a statement on the club site read.
The Gunners confirmed Sokratis will wear the No.5 jersey for the coming season.
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The 30-year-old central defender, who has played for AC Milan and Werder Bremen in the past, arrives at the Emirates with a solid reputation and is the third signing of the Unai Emery era.
Long-serving manager Arsene Wenger departed the club at the close of last season and Emery has gone about making some astute transfers since then.
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Experienced Swiss fullback Stephan Lichsteiner was acquired on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus expired at the end of the 2017-18 campaign and custodian Bernd Leno was also snapped up by the North Londoners last week.
Per Mertesacker hung up his boots after the last season concluded to leave a gaping hole in their defence and Sokratis is expected to be a vocal figure in the dressing room with the towering German heading the club’s academy now.
The Greek won the Serie A during his time with Milan (2013) and the DFB Pokal (2017) with Die Borussen.
Fans can see their club’s latest signing in action during the summer tour when they will take on the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, among others.
With Greece failing to qualify for the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup, Sokratis is expected to be with the squad from day one of pre-season and be fit in time for the start of the Premier League in August.
Arsenal take on defending champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the 2018-19 season.
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