Papastathopoulos snubbed United to join Arsenal, reveals defender's father

Sokratis turned down a move to United to join Arsenal [Photo: Courtesy]

Sokratis Papastathopoulos is set to be confirmed as an Arsenal player - after he snubbed a switch to Manchester United, according to his father.

Greek defender Sokratis is ready to become Unai Emery's first Gunners signing after the club agreed a £16million deal with Borussia Dortmund.

Sokratis is expected to sign a three year contract at the Emirates, with an option of a further year, as he is due to have a medical on Tuesday.

He was also on the radar of United, who scouted him last season, with the Red Devils' search for a new centre back to partner Eric Bailly at Old Trafford.

Sokratis' dad confirmed the move on Greek radio [Photo: Courtesy]

Sokratis' dad Charalambos Papastathopoulos took to Greek radio station Radio 24/7 to spread the news of his son's Premier League move.

"There was interest from United but he had to wait until July for them," Charalambos said. "United have a very good relationship with Dortmund, the teams talked but Sokratis chose to go to Arsenal.

"Arsenal had talked two years ago but I don't know why he didn't sign.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery [Photo: Courtesy]

"He is going to a higher level, the world's most competitive league and I believe he will do very well.

"Sokratis is in his last year at Dortmund. This was a major reason [for completing the move].

"He is happy, he is in England at the moment, and tomorrow [Tuesday] he will be doing what he has to do, the typical things, everything will go well, he is happy, he is changing.

"I think he is going to a higher level. The world's most competitive and I believe there will go well."

Sokratis snubbed United to join Arsenal [Photo: Courtesy]

Sokratis is likely to be followed into the Gunners by free agent defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, with £35m man Caglar Soyuncu also on the hit list.