Arsenal confirm signing of defender Andre Santos

Pa
Wednesday 31 August 2011 10:11 EDT
Comments
Arsenal have completed a deal to sign the Brazil left-back Andre Santos
Arsenal have completed a deal to sign the Brazil left-back Andre Santos (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazil full-back Andre Santos, and are closing in on German defender Per Mertesacker.

Santos, 28, joins the Gunners from Turkish champions Fenerbahce, and will add some much-needed experience to an Arsenal backline which shipped eight goals in their humiliating defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.

Manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com: "Santos is a quality player, with the ability to both defend well and get forward and help with attacks.

"He has experience in the Champions League and for Brazil and has proven he can deliver at the highest level.

"We welcome Santos to the club and look forward to him having a big impact for us."

The Brazilian full-back, who did not feature in the 2010 World Cup squad, is understood to have joined the Gunners in a £6.2million deal.

Santos becomes the latest Brazilian to head to Arsenal, following the likes of Denilson, Sylvinho, Edu and Gilberto Silva.

"It was one of my dreams to play for a major European football club and I have accomplished this. I am very happy to be part of this team," he said.

"All the Brazilians who came to this club spoke wonders about it and I am delighted to be part of the Arsenal family."

Confirmation of the arrival of Mertesacker, meanwhile, is expected shortly after the German centre-back completed a medical and agreed personal terms on an £8million move from Werder Bremen.

Wenger has been busy in the final days of the transfer window, having brought in South Korea captain Park Chu-young from Monaco.

The Arsenal manager is also expected to add at least one more new signing ahead of the deadline.

With Scott Dann's imminent move to Blackburn, reports have suggested Christopher Samba could be set for a transfer to Arsenal, who appear to have cooled interest in Bolton's England centre-half Gary Cahill.

Wenger is also keen to strengthen the midfield, being linked with Everton duo Marouane Fellaini and Mikel Arteta along with Edin Hazard of Lille, CSKA Moscow's Japan international playmaker Keisuke Honda and Yann M'Vila at Rennes.

Arsenal revealed the deal for 26-year-old Mertesacker, who has 75 caps, was all but rubber stamped.

A statement read: "Arsenal has confirmed they have agreed terms with Werder Bremen to sign German international defender Per Mertesacker.

"The deal is subject to the completion of formal registration processes."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in