Sokratis leaves Arsenal two-and-a-half years after signing from Borussia Dortmund; defender made 69 appearances for Gunners but was not part of Mikel Arteta's plans this season; Sky in Italy report Real Betis, Sevilla and Genoa are keen to sign 32-year-old
Wednesday 20 January 2021 13:25, UK
Arsenal and Sokratis have agreed to end the defender's contract six months early.
The 32-year-old's deal was set to expire at the end of the season but he is now a free agent. Sky in Italy has reported that La Liga clubs Real Betis and Sevilla, as well as Serie A side Genoa, are keen to sign the Greek international.
Sokratis is yet to decide on his next move, with a decision possible over the next few days.
Arsenal technical director Edu said: "On behalf of Mikel, our coaches, players and everyone at the club, I would like to thank 'Papa' for his contribution to the club.
"He has been an important part of our group and has been a model professional throughout. The negotiations to end his contract have been collaborative and we wish Papa and his family well for the future."
He joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in July 2018 and went on to make 69 appearances for the club.
However, along with Mesut Ozil, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta chose not to include Sokratis in his plans this season and left the pair out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads.
Ozil's representatives are also negotiating an early termination of his contract with the Gunners, while the midfielder is in Turkey ahead of an expected move to Fenerbahce.
Arteta says Ozil will always have a "big history" at Arsenal and that his quality will be missed at the club.
The Gunners head coach also said he will give his "clear opinion" on the deal when Ozil completes his expected move to Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Ozil is expected to make the transfer as a free agent once an early termination of his Arsenal contract - which had been due to expire in the summer - is finalised, bringing to an end his eight-year spell in London.
Arteta said: "Mesut is in Turkey going through the medical that has to be completed. There is still some paperwork that has to be done but it doesn't matter - Mesut's quality will be missed.
"He's a very special player who has a big history in this football club and if he ends up doing the deal when it happens I will give my clear opinion on that."
The winter transfer window is open until Monday February 1 at 11pm.
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