According to several reports out of England, Arsenal have completed a £6.2 million purchase of Brazilian left back Andre Santos with only a medical and personal standing in the way of his move from Fenerbahce. Santos will be able to fill the hole left by Gael Clichy, who moved to Manchester City earlier in the summer, and it is only the first of what is expected to be several signings by Arsenal as they look to rebuild a club in crisis after an 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsenal Sign Brazilian Left Back Andre Santos From Fenerbahce
Arsenal’s first move in the run up to the transfer deadline is to fill their hole at left back with Andre Santos
With the money from the sales of Clichy and Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal supporters are clamoring for Arsene Wenger to bring in the players to get them back in contention for the top four. They do not want more youngsters either, but players with experience and that is what they are getting in Santos.
The 28-year-old moved to Fenerbahce from Brazil in 2009 and played 52 times for the Turkish club, scoring 10 goals. He also has 22 caps for the Brazil national team. While his 10 goals for Fenerbahce stand out, he is not the typical attacking Brazilian fullback, but a sturdy enough defender with average pace. Where he can make an impact is on set pieces, although he wouldn’t even be considered a dominant force there.
Arsenal have made their first signing of the transfer deadline run up bringing in a solid left back to fill a hole, but it is unlikely to be their last. They remain linked to Yossi Benayoun and Elijero Elia, while other names are sure to be tossed around before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.
For more on the Santos signing as well as everything Arsenal as the transfer deadline nears, check out SB Nation’s Arsenal blog, The Short Fuse.
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