Brazilian Side Gremio Sign Andre Santos on Loan from Arsenal

Arsenal have offloaded controversial left-back Andre Santos, who will be heading to Gremio on loan until the end of the season. The Brazilian has been out-of-form for the Gunners this season and has only has featured in eight Premier League matches.

Santos first arrived at the Emirates in August 2011, for a fee of £6.8 million.  At 29 years old, the Brazilian is desperately in need of some first team football to maintain fitness, and heading back to the Brasileirao should help after playing in only 23 league matches for Arsenal in two seasons.

Arsenal’s website explained the move (via ESPN FC):

“After finding first-team opportunities limited this term, Santos now returns to Brazil’s Serie A - the Brasileirao - for more regular first-team football.  Everyone wished Andre well for his time with the Tricolor.”

With the deadline day signing of left-back Nacho Monreal from Malaga, the added competition for Santos may have just been too much.  The Spaniard has started brilliantly for Arsene Wenger’s side thus far, and will only look to continue his success.

Ironically enough, in 2011 the Brazilian was brought into the squad as a replacement for Gael Clichy, after he left for Manchester City.  And, while he has occasionally shown the ability to defend properly as well as join the attack, this current season it looks as if he has lacked confidence and concentration.

Hopefully, Santos will rediscover his form while in Brazil. As for Arsenal, Wenger and the rest of the Gunners must hope that Monreal will be able to take care of the left-back duties and help push the currently fifth-placed Londoners forward to secure their spot in next season’s Champions League.

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