Arsenal have announced that a first-team player's contract has been terminated by way of mutual consent.
Official: Arsenal's First January Departure Confirmed
The Gunners confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Sokratis Papastathopoulos' contract with the club has been terminated.
Thank you, Papa ??
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2021
???? @SokratisPapa5 pic.twitter.com/m2smRBKKM3
The club said via a statement on its official website that "this gives Papa the freedom to negotiate a contract with a new club and return to action as soon as possible".
"On behalf of Mikel (Arteta), our coaches, players and everyone at the club, I would like to thank Papa for his contribution to the club," Gunners technical director Edu said of the former Borussia Dortmund defender's exit.
"He has been an important part of our group and has been a model professional throughout. The negotiations to end his contract have been collaborative and we wish Papa and his family well for the future."
Sokratis made 69 appearances for Arsenal in his two-and-a-half years at the Emirates, winning the FA Cup in the process, and becomes the second player to leave the club in this window after Sead Kolasinac, with Mesut Ozil expected to follow soon.
See some more January deals that have already been confirmed below:
