Arsenal defender Andre Santos set to join Gremio

The Brazilian has been allowed to leave Arsenal and return to his homeland after a torrid run of form saw Spaniard Nacho Monreal purchased to cover the injury to Kieran Gibbs.

Arsenal left-back Andre Santos says he is relishing the prospect of joining Gremio on loan. The defender was photographed arriving in Brazil ahead of a proposed move back to South America.


Santos, 29, was signed from Fenerbahce for £6.8million in August 2011. However, the Brazil international has fallen down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium.

The deadline day arrival of Spaniard Nacho Monreal means Santos is now surplus to requirements. Arsene Wenger also has England left back Kieran Gibbs, who is currently injured, in his defensive ranks.

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski put a post on his official Twitter account which read: '@Andre-santos27 We will miss you man, I wish u all the very best £Gunner God bless you'.

Santos made 26 appearances for Arsenal, scoring four goals. It remains to be confirmed whether the transfer will be permanent or a loan deal.