Sokratis Papastathopoulos

[KG3]

He has missed what 3 possible games since the transfer window opened that he could have played elsewhere; he has had 4 months with his agent to find a club; I just find it strange nothing was lined up on day 1. Its money over game time with the modern player time and again.

He’s 32 years old and just trying to get the best deal possible for his last payday can you blame him? It’s not like he was on Ozil money before or anything close to it.

In the summer PSG wanted him on a free but Arsenal said no, at least he didn’t throw a tantrum like Koscielny to force a move he remained professional throughout and has actually played games with the reserves to maintain fitness, unlike Ozil who’d rather sit at home and play games all day.

[Dubs4Sam]

He has missed what 3 possible games since the transfer window opened that he could have played elsewhere; he has had 4 months with his agent to find a club; I just find it strange nothing was lined up on day 1. Its money over game time with the modern player time and again.

He’s 32 years old and just trying to get the best deal possible for his last payday can you blame him? It’s not like he was on Ozil money before or anything close to it.

In the summer PSG wanted him on a free but Arsenal said no, at least he didn’t throw a tantrum like Koscielny to force a move he remained professional throughout and has actually played games with the reserves to maintain fitness, unlike Ozil who’d rather sit at home and play games all day.

Just because he didn't kick up a fuss doesn't absolve him of the fact that he is taking a place in the training day squad, salary and any little income we could make off a transfer, when every penny counts.

I totally understand looking after number one first; but still very little difference in what he is doing to the marmite that is Ozil.

[Salibatelli]

Everything seems so complicated when it comes to our deadwood..

Yes it’s really hard work, we seem to be one of the only big clubs who struggle to shift players.

Maybe it’s because we’re so rubbish and no one wants to take a chance and have to pay for someone who probably isn’t going to be that good.

[Highbury Hillbilly]

This is crazy. Ivanovic is a million years old and is still playing in the PL. Another fossil Kolarov is at Inter Milan.

Sokratis can definitely do a job at a number of PL clubs. How is a relegation club like Genoa and Fener his only options?

[ESR10]

Everything seems so complicated when it comes to our deadwood..

Yes it’s really hard work, we seem to be one of the only big clubs who struggle to shift players.

Maybe it’s because we’re so rubbish and no one wants to take a chance and have to pay for someone who probably isn’t going to be that good.

I think the biggest problem is our wage structure. We're overpaying too many average players who would struggle to find any similar wages at other clubs so they decide to sit out their contracts. A Sokratis or a Mustafi on 40k a week would have a few suitors probably, but they are reportedly on 90k, which no other club is stupid enough to pay

[ESR10]

This is crazy. Ivanovic is a million years old and is still playing in the PL. Another fossil Kolarov is at Inter Milan.

Sokratis can definitely do a job at a number of PL clubs. How is a relegation club like Genoa and Fener his only options?

Real Betis are the closest now to sign him according to reports

[ESR10]

[Salibatelli]

So Betis need to sell someone first, who knows if they’ll be able to and on top of that La Liga will need to authorise them going further over their salary cap.

Seems like quite a few obstacles to this deal.

[Power n Glory]

Everything seems so complicated when it comes to our deadwood..

Yes it’s really hard work, we seem to be one of the only big clubs who struggle to shift players.

Maybe it’s because we’re so rubbish and no one wants to take a chance and have to pay for someone who probably isn’t going to be that good.

I think the biggest problem is our wage structure. We're overpaying too many average players who would struggle to find any similar wages at other clubs so they decide to sit out their contracts. A Sokratis or a Mustafi on 40k a week would have a few suitors probably, but they are reportedly on 90k, which no other club is stupid enough to pay

It comes back to the players and weather their content sitting it out and not playing football. It sounds like Sokratis has enough interested parties and will leave but it's taking ages. I wonder if we'll actually sign some decent players this window.

[Phil71]

These things generally go to the wire.

There are all sorts of things in play. For example if a player is under contract and doesn't submit a transfer request his club are obliged to pay up his contract should they accept a bid for him. Clubs are reluctant to do that for obvious reasons - unless the buying club up the offer in order to compensate. And so on.

For a transfer to happen it needs a bit of flexibility on all sides, and the parties involved will invariably take it to the wire in order to get the best deal.

[ESR10]

Arteta confirmed he's very likely to leave this window

[Zenith]

[ESR10]

It's probably the best option for both parties. All the best, Papa!

[Ach]

Always liked him

[Angelito]

Best of luck, fighter.