Chelsea Transfer News: Sokratis Reportedly Interests Blues Amid Arsenal Rumours

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos this summer.

According to Goal, both London clubs are admirers of the Greece international, who has developed into one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga during his time at the Westfalenstadion.

In the report, it's suggested the Blues also hold an interest in Southampton man Virgil van Dijk as well as Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.

However, should manager Antonio Conte miss out on those two, it's said he will go after the Dortmund man.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also reported to be keen on bolstering his options at the back, with the club already securing left-back Sead Kolasinac from Schalke.

Sokratis would be an intriguing option for both of the Premier League sides, and according to the report, the 29-year-old would be keen to move to English football.

As noted by German football journalist Alex Chaffer, he is a wonderful player to watch:

He'd certainly add plenty to either side. Defensively, the former Werder Bremen man is very robust, as he relishes physical duels and is committed in the tackle. Sokratis is watchful in his work at the back, too, biding his time and choosing the right moment to sweep possession off an opponent.

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As mentioned by Chaffer, there are other facets to his game as well. Since Mats Hummels left Dortmund at the start of the previous season, Sokratis has been given more responsibility on the ball and is often the man tasked with distributing effectively from the base of the side.

Sports journalist Cristian Nyari suggested he's pretty similar to one of Chelsea's current centre-back stars, David Luiz, in that sense:

For the Blues, he would definitely be a fascinating option in a position that Conte may seek to strengthen in the upcoming window, especially if he continues to utilise a three-man defence.

Sokratis has been used in that system this season for Dortmund, and while he can be prone to losses in concentration, he's largely been excellent. Having another player who is dynamic, good on the ball and versatile would be a massive boost for the Blues as they get set to fight on the domestic and European front next season.

Chelsea fans may feel they have enough cover for the likes of Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta, though.

Kurt Zouma was rated highly before his recent injury layoff, while Nathan Ake wasn't handed too many chances to show what he can do after returning from his loan at Bournemouth. Andreas Christensen is also set to return to the setup following his impressive stint with Borussia Monchengladbach.