Arsenal 'join Manchester United in Sokratis Papastathopoulos pursuit'

Arsenal are reportedly ready to battle Manchester United for the signature of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

The 29-year-old, who has also been linked with Juventus, will see his current deal with Dortmund expire at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

United have recently been credited with an interest in the 79-time Greece international, but according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also keen on the powerful centre-back.

Papastathopoulos has scored three times in 38 appearances for Dortmund during the 2017-18 campaign.

Arsenal's back four has been widely criticised throughout the season, but United have the second-best defensive unit in the Premier League this term.