Napoli target Arsenal’s Sokratis which could pave way for Kalidou Koulibaly to Man City transfer

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed they want to sign Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos - which could pave the way for Kalidou Koulibaly to join Manchester City.

Sokratis has just one year left on his contract at Arsenal, which is understood to be worth around £90,000-a-week.

The centre-back has slipped down the pecking order under head coach Mikel Arteta and as such he can leave this summer.

Napoli have been linked with the Greece international and now De Laurentiis has confirmed their interest.

“We are working on signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Arsenal, we consider it an option,” De Laurentiis is quoted as saying by IlNapoliOnline.com.

Reports in Italy added Napoli do not want to pay a fee for Sokratis, but they would instead cover the full cost of his £90,000-a-week wages.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal would accept such a deal, but should Sokratis leave it may allow Koulibaly to join Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola wants to bring the centre-back to the Etihad but Napoli will not sell him until they have a replacement.

“When there are important offers, we will sell,” said De Laurentiis.

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