---
title: "Arsenal identify target as back-up plan if Sokratis deal falls through"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2018/06/01/arsenal-identify-target-as-back-up-plan-if-sokratis-deal-falls-through/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Articles"
published: "2018-06-01T15:21:16Z"
modified: "2018-06-01T15:21:16Z"
---

# Arsenal identify target as back-up plan if Sokratis deal falls through

Arsenal will move for Mainz defender Abdou Diallo if they are unable to complete a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis.

French outlet [RMC, as cited by Get French Football](https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/1002566850063028226), claims that Diallo is currently being viewed as a back-up plan to the Greek defender.

Sven Mislintat is known to be a fan of the player and has been keeping tabs on him for some time.

Reports have suggested that a deal to sign Sokratis from Dortmund was [close](https://readarsenal.com/2018/05/30/greek-international-to-undergo-arsenal-medical-this-week/) after Arsenal met the Bundesliga side’s £16 million asking price.

The Greek defender is expected to become Unai Emery’s first signing with a medical planned for this week.

![Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/923109158.jpg)

Diallo himself has been [linked](https://readarsenal.com/2018/05/25/dortmund-to-imminently-move-for-arsenal-target/) with Dortmund in the past and could be seen as a long-term replacement for Sokratis in Germany, should the latter complete his move to Arsenal.

The Bundesliga side have been linked with a €20 million bid for the player, who has caught the eye whilst playing for Mainz.