Sokratis Papastathopoulos Borussia Dortmund

Juventus want Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis as Bonucci replacement

Juventus are preparing a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Goal understands.

The Turin side are looking to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new Serie A campaign following Leonardo Bonucci's €42 million move to league rivals AC Milan.

AC Milan make steal of the century with Bonucci deal

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Bonucci agreed a five-year deal with Vincenzo Montella's side earlier in the week, leaving Juventus searching for a replacement. 

Dortmund's Sokratis has emerged as the first-choice option for Massimiliano Allegri, though the Bundesliga outfit have no intention of letting the Greece international leave.

Sven Bender's decision join Bayer Leverkusen has left the Westfalenstadion club with just three options in central defence - Marc Bartra, new arrival Omer Toprak and Sokratis. 

Neven Subotic remains a Dortmund player, though is not a viable option for new head coach Peter Bosz, with the club planning on selling the Serbian following a loan spell at Koln last season.

Peter Bosz Borussia DortmundGetty

The former Ajax boss is yet to fully evaluate his squad, however, and is unlikely to sanction a move for Sokratis.

The defender, though, may be open to a transfer, with reports suggesting the lure of one final lucrative pay day may sway the 29-year-old's decision. 

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have also made initial enquiries into the availability of Sokratis, who made 26 Bundesliga starts under Thomas Tuchel last season.

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