One-time Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos could now reunite with former Gunners teammate Hector Bellerin at Real Betis.
Real Betis are now pushing to secure the signing of former Arsenal centre back Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Betis have now restarted talks to sign Sokratis on a free transfer.
Arsenal ripped up the Greek defender’s contract in January 2021 with Mikel Arteta deciding to let him go.
That paved the way for Sokratis to join Olympiacos, where he won two league titles before leaving in the summer.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos nearing Real Betis deal
Sokratis has been attracting interest as a free agent with the European transfer window closed.
Reports have linked Sokratis with a move to Bayern Munich, with Thomas Tuchel a fan from their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
However, it now seems that Sokratis will be heading to Spain with Real Betis rather than returning to Germany.
Fabrizio Romano now reports that a ‘deal is on’ for Sokratis to make a move to the La Liga side, who are in the Europa League.
Talks have ‘restarted’ following a previous breakdown and the intention is for Betis to get Sokratis signed up ‘as soon as possible’.
Sokratis to reunite with ex-Arsenal teammate Hector Bellerin
This move means that Sokratis is nearing a reunion with his former Arsenal teammate Hector Bellerin.
Bellerin currently features for Betis and has been starting regularly in La Liga this season.
The 28-year-old will now seemingly see a familiar face arrive for Betis training soon enough.
Bellerin and Sokratis played 17 times together at Arsenal, losing only three times together between 2018 and 2020.
The pair went their separate ways but now look set to reunite in Spain more than three years since their last appearance together.
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